Rio Tinto : Yarwun refinery traineeships to kick-start careers of Gladstone locals

A trainee programme that has helped launch the careers of local workers since 2004 is again open with candidates in the Gladstone region encouraged to apply.

Rio Tinto is currently recruiting for several entry-level process technician roles at its world-class Yarwun alumina refinery.

Successful candidates will take part in a structured training programme that will teach trainees to maintain the plant in line with ongoing safety, quality, production and cost objectives.

A Certificate III in Process Operations will be awarded to trainees at the successful completion of the fixed term 18-month programme.

Dale Watkins started his career as a trainee in 2005 and has had multiple leadership roles across Yarwun since completing the programme - including his position today as a production specialist.

'I grew up in Gladstone and it was great to have the opportunity to join family and friends working in the alumina industry.

'The programme allowed me to gain invaluable refinery experience and many opportunities to develop in my field. It definitely kick-started my career,' said Dale.

Yarwun local, Tegan Grant, who was in the first intake of trainees in 2004, had fond memories of the experience.

'It was daunting at first but as I progressed through my training there was definitely a feeling of accomplishment every time I was deemed competent to perform a new task on my own.

'After completing my traineeship, I was lucky enough to progress through several roles in operations and maintenance before securing my current role as a production advisor.'

Pictured: (L-R) Rio Tinto Yarwun process technician Ashley Dodd with former trainees Tegan Grant and Dale Watkins

Rio Tinto Yarwun Operations general manager Colin McGibbon said 'We are very pleased to continue providing exciting industry experience for local workers here at our Yarwun refinery.

'I believe in the importance of investing in our future generations. Having a pipeline of work-ready trainees benefits our operations as well as the communities in our region.

'Gladstone really is at the heart of Australia's alumina industry and this is a fantastic opportunity for trainees to stand out from the crowd in the competitive world of work.'

Located 10km north-west of Gladstone in central Queensland, the Yarwun refinery is wholly-owned and operated by Rio Tinto.

Applications will close on 2 July 2017. For more information and to apply, please visit bit.ly/YarwunTrainees