May 16, 2021
Alcoa Fairbridge partnership drives local skill development
Local apprentices are gaining invaluable experience breathing new life into heritage-listed buildings at Fairbridge Village thanks to a renewed three-year partnership with Alcoa Australia.
The Alcoa Sustainable Employment and Life Outcomes initiative provides opportunities for disengaged or disadvantaged young people in the Peel region to undertake a traineeship or apprenticeship with Fairbridge WA.
Joining the program this year, Leonard and Joshua have already made significant progress restoring Lawley Cottage and Oxford Cottage, built in 1927 and 1928 respectively, to their former glory.
Leonard, age 20, from Mandurah, has assisted in converting Lawley Cottage into four one-bedroom apartments, fitted out the kitchens and restored the original wood floorboards as part of his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship. Joshua, age 18, from Pinjarra, has completed all the internal painting as part of his painting and decorating apprenticeship.
Fairbridge WA General Manager Jade Creevey said, “the ongoing partnership with Alcoa contributes to our mission to provide opportunities to youth, but also assists in the conservation of the heritage-listed Village”.
Alcoa Corporate Affairs Director Jodie Read said the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved when business and community come together.
“Alcoa has a long and proud history of supporting Fairbridge and it is wonderful to see the long-term difference this partnership is making not only to these individuals, but to the broader community through the preservation of these historic assets,” Ms Read said.
Established in 2017, the Alcoa Sustainable Employment and Life Outcomes initiative has provided funding for 15 young people to undertake training at Fairbridge Village. The one-year traineeships are offered across a range of industries including carpentry and joinery, painting, and conservation and land management. For more information about the initiative and 2022 traineeship opportunities, please contact Fairbridge on 9531 1177.
Fairbridge WA Inc. is a registered charity with a mission to provide opportunities to youth, and who manage the heritage-listed Fairbridge Village, north of Pinjarra. The cottages are popular with school and community group camps and are available to private groups and families wanting an idyllic bush getaway. Bookings can be made via the website www.fairbridge.asn.au.