Apprenticeship program: Alcoa recognises standout tradies at graduation ceremony

A number of apprentices from Kwinana and surrounding areas have been acknowledged for their efforts after graduating from Alcoa’s Apprenticeship Program. The graduates were part of a larger cohort of 25 apprentices who gained qualifications including fabrication, mechanical fitting, electrical instrumentation and heavy-diesel mechanics. Completing their four-year training across Alcoa’s two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in Kwinana, Peel and the Upper South West, the graduates were recognised at Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club on November 10. Rockingham’s Ashlee Deane won a major accolade, named Apprentice of the Year at Pinjarra’s Alumina Refinery for 2022. Meanwhile, newly qualified mechanical fitter Aiden Andreello, from Parmelia, took out the the Safety Award for the Kwinana Alumina Refinery and Secret Harbour’s Blake Stidworthy received the same award for Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery. Alcoa chief operating officer John Slaven presented the awards and certificates, congratulating the graduating class on its commitment and professionalism. “You have all grabbed the opportunity afforded to you with both hands and it is a real pleasure to see you graduate and embark on what I hope will be rewarding careers in the resources industry,” Mr Slaven said. “Wherever you may work in the future, the skills and knowledge you have developed at Alcoa will keep you in good stead throughout your career.” Since commencing operations in WA in 1963, Alcoa has trained and developed more than 2550 apprentices, trainees and graduates in a range of specialisations. Currently, Alcoa has 107 apprentices employed in WA with another 36 set to start in January 2023.