Alcoa in Australia operates alumina and aluminium processing operations in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.  Alcoa’s Australian operations make up an integrated aluminium industry which includes mines, refineries, smelters, rolled products plants and a recycling operation.  At every stage of the aluminium production process, each of these operations adds value to Australia’s resources.  Alcoa employs around 6200 people in Australia.  

Why support Beacon?

 The work of the Beacon Foundation has links to Alcoa’s Future Leaders of Industry program which is carried out across the nation and assists young people to prepare for employment in the resources industry.  Alcoa has a desire to employ local people in its operations wherever possible.  As the mining and manufacturing industries become more dependent on technology there is a requirement for operators to have higher levels of education.  Alcoa’s response has been to partner with third party organisations such as the Beacon Foundation to help students in schools near Alcoa’s operations to remain in school for longer and to achieve improved educational outcomes.  

How does Alcoa help?

Alcoa provides mainly financial support to the Beacon Foundation, and donates $30 000 annually to help the Foundation carry out its work.  Alcoa also provides local input into the Beacon Foundation’s No Dole project and provides guest speakers for career planning seminars.   In 2007 Alcoa is looking forward to being involved in the Beacon Foundation’s “Polish” project with students at our local schools.

 What are the benefits of being involved?

The Beacon Foundation provides excellent opportunities for secondary students to gain the knowledge and skills required for positive employment outcomes.  In particular the focus on keeping young people within the education and training system for as long as practicable, meets Alcoa’s mission of giving local peoples the best opportunities to join the exciting resources and manufacturing industries. Alcoa is proud to partner a Foundation which recognises the importance of assisting our young people to improve their long term employment prospects.  Alcoa believes that providing young people opportunities to continue their studies improves their long term employment options and helps to build stronger communities.