Alcoa encourages girls to choose careers in mining and refining

Aug 21, 2009

ALCOA has opened its doors to Year 10 students from the Peel and South-West regions as part of its successful Future Women of Industry (FWOI) scholarship program.

FWOI, now in its 11th year, aims to assist, mentor and educate enthusiastic young women and provide guidance on where their future careers could take them.

49 girls from 24 schools around Kwinana, Rockingham, Pinjarra, Mandurah, Harvey, Waroona and Bunbury took part this year.

Over three consecutive days, the students participated in tours of Alcoa’s operations, one-on-one buddy sessions with Alcoa employees, listened to presentations from Perth Universities, learned about opportunities for traineeships, apprenticeships and work experience at Alcoa, and learned how to prepare and present for job interviews.

WA Operations Human Resources Manager, Carl Phillips, says the scholarships have a unique emphasis on opening doors to the mining and refining industry which are not always the first choice for young women when deciding on careers.

The program establishes networks and provides opportunities for young women to immerse themselves with peers in an intensive program that gives direct experience in the mining industry.

Phillips claims that what makes the program so successful is its determination to break the mould on what are seen traditionally as ‘men’s’ or ‘women’s’ roles.

The success of the program has been demonstrated by former scholarship participants going on to become Alcoa apprentices and trainees, tradespersons and professionals.

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