Duo land sought-after Alcoa traineeships

Rockingham’s Amy Price and Kwinana’s Eloise Lucas have been chosen from a pool of a 640 applicants for two of six highly sought-after nationally accredited traineeships with Alcoa.

Ms Price and Ms Lucas beat applicants from all over WA for the roles, with the pair two of only three females in the select group.

Their selection also marked the first time in the decade-long program where the intake of male and female applicants was equal.

The 18-month traineeships, which include TAFE studies and practical assessments earning participants a Certificate 2 and 3 in Process Plant Operations, come at a challenging time for training in the State.

Both new trainees said they could not believe they had been chosen from such a large number of applicants and were hopeful for the opportunities the traineeships would bring.

“It’s amazing I’ve been selected to work at Alcoa’s Kwinana Alumina Refinery; the complexity and scale of operations are what appeal to me and I know being trained there is going to see me succeed throughout my career,” Ms Lucas said.

Ms Price meanwhile, will undertake her traineeship at Pinjarra Alumina Refinery.

“Gaining this technical experience at Alcoa is really exciting to me and I know my career will benefit from this valuable training,” she said.

Alcoa Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker considers the traineeship program fundamental to talent and skills development.

“The resources sector and Western Australia in general rely heavily on skilled workers and Alcoa is determined to develop a strong pipeline of technically trained people to support our operations and industry,” he said.

“We have offered traineeships since 2008, proudly giving 58 people on-the-job training in an exciting and complex work environment.

“Our 18-month program aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to forge successful career, and with female participation a key focus for Alcoa we are pleased more females are applying each year.”