Summer adventure for bright minds

For university students aspiring to work in the resources sector and with a thirst for knowledge, Alcoa has 15 paid summer vacation roles that will expand their understanding of aluminium production.

Alcoa Vacation Student Program participants will gain practical hands-on experience over three-months, commencing November 2024, while working at Alcoa’s operations near Perth and in Portland, Victoria.

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

Alcoa has a reputation as an excellent place for students to gain valuable work experience, placing 24th in the Australian Association of Graduate Employers’ Top 40 Intern Programs for 2023.

Former Vacation Student Program recruit Megan Donovan, now employed at Wagerup Alumina Refinery as a Graduate Chemical Engineer, said she had no idea how much she would learn or the exposure she would get to the complex world of refining.

“It’s incredible, no two days are the same at Alcoa. When I look at the people and expertise I have been exposed to across the refining system and the skills I have developed, I am really grateful for the opportunity to have participated in Alcoa’s Vacation Student Program,” Megan said.

“Big industrial environments such as a refinery can be daunting if you have never worked in them before, but the great thing about Alcoa’s vacation program is you do not need any experience to apply, and working on a site can open up endless career possibilities, particularly here in Western Australia.

“You get to work with so many different people and to learn about their roles, it opened my eyes up to all the opportunities that are available to me throughout my career. The support you get from everyone is great too, it made me realise I definitely wanted a site-based role when I finished my degree.

“I'm a big believer in vacation programs being the perfect opportunity to try something new, or slightly outside your comfort zone, for a short time, so you can see if it is something you might like to pursue.”

The decision to become a 'vac student' was instrumental in Jake Handscombe's career development, leading him to his current role as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer at Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery.

“The vacation program was essentially the gateway to the rest of my career. I obtained so much experience from the 12-week placement, which then put me in good stead for Alcoa’s three-year Graduate Program which I applied for the following year,” Jake said.

“What I love the most about my role is the ability to work in a dynamic environment with complex equipment, and then, at the end of each day, I’m able to drive home.

“The workplace culture at Alcoa is very team focused too, with a strong safety culture. Everyone is always looking out for each other and basically wants you to have the best experience that you can.”

Among the locations where vacation students will work are the Pinjarra and Wagerup alumina refineries, offices in Pinjarra and Booragoon, and Alcoa’s aluminium smelter in Portland. Students will be paid for these full-time roles.

Applications for Alcoa’s Vacation Student Program are open until Friday, 31 May 2024. To apply and learn more, follow the link: https://www.alcoa.com/careers/en/our-talent-program-opportunities#australia-talent