Since the dawn of the industry, the name Alcoa has been synonymous with operational excellence and leadership in the production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium products. We invented the aluminium industry in 1888 and we continue to innovate with new technologies and processes. With operations and locations across six continents and nine countries, we are known worldwide as a values-based company.
Did you know? Alcoa aluminium was used in the Wright brothers' first flight, in the first aluminium-sheathed skyscraper, the first all-aluminium vehicle frame and the first aluminium beer can.
Alcoa has been operating in Australia for nearly 60 years, providing stable, long-term careers to people working and living in communities close to where our Western Australian and Victorian operations are based.
Alcoa's Australian operations support some 4,250 direct jobs, predominantly in regional Australia and close to major centres in Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury, so it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of working in the resources industry without working Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO).
We provide our people with some of the most unique technical challenges in the aluminium industry. Employees embrace leading-edge technology as we advance our operations, digitally connect our workers and increase efficiencies to make Alcoa a better and safer workplace.
At Alcoa we embrace change, new ideas and promote a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
Our employment programs, which are underpinned by diversity and equality, continue to be recognised and rewarded for their inclusive nature. They support and encourage employees to bring their whole selves to work and so they feel comfortable in contributing unique and different perspectives.
Through our inclusion strategy we have several company-wide employee resource groups including the Alcoa Women’s Network, EAGLE (Employees at Alcoa for Gay, Lesbian [Bisexual and Transgender] Equality), our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, and AWARE (Alcoans Working Actively for Racial-Ethnic Equality). Each group focuses on increasing awareness and employee engagement by providing useful information and resources, a support network and fun group activities
By taking inclusion and diversity seriously, we believe we will attract open-minded people who will live our values, innovate and challenge the status quo, and create a better future workplace culture and experience.
Alcoa constantly strives to meet and exceed community expectations relating to environmental management, health, safety and good corporate citizenship.
We are recognised leaders in sustainability, and our know-how in mine rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation gives us access to valuable resources in highly protected areas, such as the Jarrah forest in Western Australia.
We want the communities closest to our operations to thrive, and we view our presence as an opportunity to help develop sustainable economic activity, environmental practices and social programs.
From our earliest beginnings we have opened our doors, people’s eyes and students’ minds, sharing an insight into the technology and ingenuity that transforms bauxite into lightweight, shining aluminium. We hold formal consultation forums in local areas, employ dedicated Community Relations Officers across all operations and deliver free tours of our mines and refineries.
In 2019, 86 per cent of our total Australian revenue stayed in the country through wages, local purchasing, taxes, royalties, capital investment and dividends to Australian shareholders. $4.7 million was invested in a wide variety of Australian community programs.
Alcoa’s Western Australian Graduate Program aims to provide a broad base of skills and experiences, while being tailored to graduates needs and individual career goals. The program provides real workplace opportunities at our bauxite mines and alumina refineries, where graduates can develop their technical, interpersonal and leadership skills.
We provide opportunities for personal and professional development through formal training programs, informal networking and by receiving ongoing support, coaching and regular feedback from senior specialists.
We offer a three-year program, during which time graduates may rotate across our two mines, three refineries and/or two corporate offices. Graduates are immersed in Alcoa’s unique workplace environment and culture, which fosters communication, collaboration, knowledge sharing and participation.
Graduate roles are permanent as we see graduates as our future leaders.
Alcoa Vacation Students are immersed in a 12-week summer placement program to optimise their exposure and practical experience in their field of interest. Students are required to travel to and from site each work day and could be based at any location, depending on the discipline and projects assigned to them.
While it is not a prerequisite, Alcoa Vacation Students are viewed favourably during the talent acquisition process for Alcoa’s Graduate Program.
Recruitment for the summer vacation program usually commences in May or June each year.
Around the world, we share common goals:
Alcoa’s Western Australian operations include:
And in Victoria: