Global bauxite to aluminium production giant Alcoa has marked a major workforce milestone in Western Australia. A total of 24 apprentices completed four years of technical and on-the-job training across its mines and alumina refineries. The graduation ceremony took place on November 13 2025, at the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club. Alcoa Aluminium has trained more than 2,700 apprentices, trainees and graduates in its 62-year history in Australia.

Of the present apprentices, 11 women and 13 men began their training in 2022. Their schedule combined on-the-job learning with TAFE study. The group also demonstrated adaptability. Six apprentices from the Kwinana refinery, which ceased production in 2024, were relocated to the Pinjarra and Wagerup refineries to complete their trade exposure.

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Industry observers note that Alcoa’s long-running apprenticeship model remains a benchmark in the Australian mining sector. It helps offset national trade shortages and ensures steady talent development during a period of rapid decarbonisation and technology upgrades across alumina refining.

Each site has been awarded with an ‘Apprentice of the Year’. Refineries also presented safety awards due to their larger apprentice intake. 

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Huntly’s Apprentice of the Year, Hayden Hills, spoke about his early days. “There was so much to take in, and it could’ve been overwhelming,” he said, adding, “But one of the first things someone said to me was, ‘Let’s have some fun and give everything a go’.” 

He further mentioned, “That stuck with me and really set the tone for the years ahead.”

Alcoa’s Australia President, Elsabe Muller, reminded graduates of the power of personal growth.
“Excellence in safety, excellence in innovation, and excellence in performance and productivity all come when everyone of us can bring our whole selves to work, where inclusion and diversity are embraced and where innovative thinking is encouraged and applauded,” she said.

She emphasised, “Those things become possible when we are surrounded by – and contributing to – an environment in which we care for people.”

She further said, “That’s what you will be remembered for and what will set any workplace you go to in the future apart from many others.” 

Career momentum is already building

Eleven graduates have accepted ongoing roles at Alcoa. At least eight have secured jobs with external employers. Incoming 2026 apprentices also attended the event, gaining early insight into their future pathway.

2025 award winners

Apprentices of the Year

• Huntly Bauxite Mine – Haiden Hills
• Willowdale Bauxite Mine – Thomas Kirkham
• Kwinana Alumina Refinery – Rachel Holmes (relocated to Pinjarra refinery)
• Pinjarra Alumina Refinery – Courtney Wragg
• Wagerup Alumina Refinery – Jack Dance

Winners of the Safety Awards

• Kwinana Alumina Refinery – Heidi Staples (relocated to Wagerup refinery)
• Pinjarra Alumina Refinery – Reef Liddington
• Wagerup Alumina Refinery – Hailey Moody

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