A dozen Peel Region apprentices have seen their hard work rewarded after graduating from Alcoa’s apprenticeship program.
The graduates were part of a larger cohort of 25 apprentices who gained qualifications in manufacturing, mechanical assembly, electrical instrumentation and heavy diesel mechanics.
After completing their four-year training at Alcoa’s two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in Kwinana, Peel and the Upper South West, the graduates were recognized at a gala held at Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club on November 10.
Pinjarra local Megan Hazelden has been named Wagerup Alumina Refinery’s Apprentice of the Year, just weeks after winning WA Apprentice of the Year at the 2022 WA Training Awards.
Ms Hazelden said her latest accolade was just as special as the first.
“I feel very privileged to receive this award tonight,” she said.
“There were a lot of people who deserved it so to be called up, I’m very excited.”
Brock Elphick, from South Yunderup, was named Willowdale Bauxite Mine Apprentice of the Year and thanked those who “took the time to teach me and help me become the mechanic I am today “.
Three other Peel residents were also recognized with Teleha Canavate-Blankendaal, from Mandurah, Serpentine’s Blake Stidworthy and Claudia Arthurs, from South Yunderup, winning safety awards.
Alcoa Chief Operating Officer John Slaven presented the awards and certificates and praised the class for their commitment and professionalism.
“You have all seized the opportunity presented to you with both hands and it is a real pleasure to see you graduate and embark on what I hope will be a rewarding career in the resource industry,” Mr. Slaven said.
“Wherever you work in the future, the skills and knowledge you have developed at Alcoa will keep you well positioned throughout your career.”
Since beginning operations in WA in 1963, Alcoa has trained and developed over 2,550 apprentices, interns and graduates in a range of specializations.
Currently, Alcoa has 107 apprentices employed in WA with another 36 expected to start in January 2023.
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