Bright future awaits for aspiring miners

Those interested in kickstarting a career in the resources sector can now apply for Alcoa’s 12-month traineeship program at its Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines in the Peel and South West regions of Western Australia.

Starting in February 2025, the popular traineeships are nationally certified and involve TAFE education and practical tests to expand participants' career options. Successful applicants will finish with a Certificate II in Surface Extraction.

Singleton resident Ashleigh Newall is currently working at the Willowdale mine as part of her mine operator traineeship and is enjoying the opportunity.

“I'm really loving the traineeship, especially learning how to operate the new haul trucks on site and working with different teams to understand the business better, with the goal of hopefully securing a full-time position,” Ashleigh said.

“Being new to mining, I've found this position has helped me grow personally, with everyone so supportive and friendly.

“I urge those keen on exploring mining to consider this opportunity - it has been a truly rewarding journey for me.”

Tahj Taylor, a proud Indigenous man hailing from Halls Head, is relishing the many responsibilities of his mine worker traineeship.

“The best part of the traineeship has been working with a range of individuals and taking on different challenges every day,” Tahj said.

“Obtaining my heavy rigid licence to operate trucks on-site has been my greatest achievement so far.”

An added advantage of working for Alcoa is their bauxite mines are close to regional towns in the Peel and South West, providing successful candidates with easy access to work without the need to fly to remote locations.

Alcoa values inclusion and diversity in the workplace, providing support for women, individuals from different backgrounds and those with a wide range of skills and life experiences.

For more than 20 years, the company has been an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and has received recognition by Pride in Diversity as a Silver Tier Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI+ inclusion. 

Alcoa has trained and developed more than 2,685 trainees, apprentices and graduates in its 61 years of operation.

Applications close Tuesday 22 October 2024. For more information and to apply visit Alcoa’s Entry Talent Program webpage.