New apprentices begin Alcoa journeys

Alcoa Australia marked National Apprentice Week from February 9-15 by recognising its newest cohort of 24 apprentices, who recently commenced their trade careers across the company’s bauxite mines and alumina refineries in the Peel and South West regions of Western Australia.

Commencing their training earlier this year, the new recruits are the latest in a long line of apprentices, trainees and graduates to start their careers with Alcoa, joining more than 2700 people who have commenced their resource sector journeys with the company across WA and Victoria since Australian operations commenced in 1963.

National Apprentice Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the important role apprenticeships play in building skills, supporting local employment, and strengthening Australia’s future workforce.

Reflecting Alcoa Australia’s commitments to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and to supporting local communities, the latest apprentice intake includes eight women and eight First Nations apprentices and draws from residents of the regions where the company operates.

The 24 apprentices are spread across the Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines, and the Pinjarra and Wagerup refineries. They are working to gain trade qualifications in mechanical fitting, heavy duty plant mechanics, light vehicle mechanics, fabrication and welding, and electrical instrumentation technology. 

Harvey local Morgan Roberts said that after working away, one of the advantages of gaining an electrical instrumentation apprenticeship at the nearby Wagerup Alumina Refinery was that it allowed her to reconnect with interests outside of work.

“I've got three horses and I've previously been into the local equestrian community,” Morgan said.

"This job allows me to be home, so I get to pick up my hobby and start having fun again.” 

 She added that Alcoa’s longstanding involvement in the Harvey community made the company familiar and an appealing employer.

“I really like how involved they are in the local community and that’s one reason that Alcoa was on my radar,” Morgan said. 

Malcom Sharp, a heavy duty plant mechanic apprentice at Huntly Bauxite Mine, said his love of anything mechanical drew him to an apprenticeship with Alcoa. 

“I grew up on a farm so I’ve always had bikes and that progressed to seeing what I could do on my car, my parents’ cars, then a bit of work experience,” Malcolm said. 

“I like that technical nitty gritty stuff and I’m looking forward to the big gear and working on those engines.” 

Apprentice supervisor Craig Watts congratulated the latest apprentices on making it this far.

“There is always very strong interest in apprenticeships with Alcoa, driven by a whole range of factors including the high quality and reputation of learning with the company, to the fact apprentices can go home each night,” Craig said. 

“This group of 24 has done exceptionally well to make it to this point and while they have plenty of hard work ahead, they also have an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, establish strong professional networks, and to learn skills that will set them up for long and rewarding careers.” 

The apprentices commenced their training in January with three weeks at Mandurah TAFE, as well as undertaking Alcoa refinery and mine tours, including learning about the company’s approach to forest rehabilitation after mining.