Alcoa’s Wagerup refinery manager Mark Hodgson congratulates new trainees Samual Jacques and Audrey Wong.
Camera IconAlcoa’s Wagerup refinery manager Mark Hodgson congratulates new trainees Samual Jacques and Audrey Wong. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mandurah carpenter wins Alcoa traineeship

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

MANDURAH resident Samuel Jacques is celebrating after being chosen from 640 applicants to start one of six highly-sought nationally-accredited traineeships offered by Alcoa of Australia.

The 18-month traineeship, which includes Tafe studies and practical assessments earning participants a Certificate II and III in Process Plant Operations, comes at a challenging time for training in WA.

Department of Training and Workforce Development figures show the total number of apprentices and trainees fell 10 per cent up to March, or about 4000 people.

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Mr Jacques, who previously worked as a carpenter, could not believed he had been chosen and was hopeful for the opportunities the traineeship would bring.

“I’m excited to be chosen for this opportunity at Wagerup Alumina as I know working there will give me invaluable industry skills which will be regarded by any future employer,’’ he said.

This year is the first in the decade-long program the intake has included an equal number of men and women.

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