Kickstart your trade career with Alcoa apprenticeships

Applications are now open for Alcoa Australia’s 2027 Apprenticeship Program, with 31 roles available across its bauxite mines and alumina refineries in Western Australia’s Peel and Upper South West regions, as well as its aluminium smelter in Portland, Victoria.

The four-year program, commencing in January, offers hands-on training in an inclusive and safety-focused environment, with apprentices gaining practical experience across mining, refining or smelting operations from day one.

Apprenticeships are available across a range of trades including mechanical fitting, fabrication and welding, electrical instrumentation, light vehicle mechanics and heavy-duty fitting, with participants working towards a nationally recognised trade qualification.

Over the past 63 years, Alcoa has developed more than 2,800 apprentices, trainees and graduates, reflecting a long-standing commitment to building skills and career pathways across its operations.

In WA, the program provides a strong local employment pathway, with apprentices able to live in their communities and travel to and from site for each shift, making it particularly suited to people from the Peel and Upper South West regions.

Fourth-year Electrical Instrumentation Apprentice Kaitlin Kostarelas, based at Pinjarra refinery, said her apprenticeship has been a journey of growth and discovery.

“When I first started, I was really taken by the size and scale of the refinery and just how many people it takes to keep everything running,” Kaitlin said.

“Now, in my fourth year, I’ve built so much more confidence and have a much better understanding of how everything works. My advice is to try everything - get involved, talk to different trades and take every opportunity to learn.”

Fourth-year Heavy Diesel apprentice Sam Smedley, based at Huntly mine, said the program had helped him build both skills and confidence over time.

“You might feel a bit nervous at the start, but everyone here makes it easy and helps you feel more comfortable,” Sam said.

“Over time, you build your skills and confidence - you get to a point where you’re out in the field solving problems and responding to breakdowns, which is really rewarding.”

The program provides the opportunity to build practical skills, gain real-world experience across multiple operations, and develop a long-term career in the resources industry.

Applications for the 2027 intake are now open via the Alcoa Careers website and close on 20 July.