Student summer pathway to resource industry career

University students thinking about a career in the resources sector have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in mining and refining close to Perth, Western Australia, thanks to Alcoa.

The company has been recognised as one of the best places for students to gain work experience in Australia, ranking 24th in the Australian Association of Graduate Employers’ Top 40 Intern Programs for 2021-2022. 

A total 27 paid summer vacation roles are being offered across the resource company’s two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in the south-west of Western Australia and its smelter in Portland, Victoria. 

The highly regarded placements will provide valuable training, experience and insights into a resources career at Alcoa from November 2023 to February 2024.

Roles are available across a range of disciplines including mechanical, electrical, energy and chemical engineering as well as occupational hygiene and environmental science.

University of Western Australia engineering student SuBin Lee has joined Alcoa’s workforce as a vacation student for two years running and now has her sights set on a graduate position with the company in 2024 after completing her Master of Professional Engineering.

Looking back on her mechanical engineering placements at Huntly Bauxite Mine and Pinjarra Alumina Refinery, Ms Lee recognised the invaluable technical and interpersonal benefits of the program. 

“I had the opportunity to engage, network and collaborate with outstanding professionals who provided me with valuable experiences and direct perspectives into the resource sector,” Ms Lee said. 

“I can’t speak highly enough about Alcoa’s commitment to its people, values and working culture – it’s amplified my passion for the resources industry. 

“I strongly recommend this program as it offers so many opportunities to develop practical skills and receive mentoring from experienced professionals to help students like me reach our full potential.” 

Vacation students will be required to travel to and from site each workday. Depending on the discipline, this could be at any of Alcoa’s WA locations all located within 130km of Perth’s CBD. 

Locations include Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines near Pinjarra and Harvey respectively, the Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup alumina refineries, and offices in Pinjarra and Booragoon. Students will be paid for these full-time roles.

Alcoa welcomes applications for the Vacation Student Program until Friday 2 June 2023. For more information and to apply visit here.