Rio Tinto extends support for student training program

Rio Tinto has announced a new partnership to support The Apprentice and Traineeship Company to connect students with local businesses to undertake traineeships in a variety of industries.

Over the next three years, Rio Tinto will invest $300,000 into school-based traineeships in the South West and Great Southern, giving 20 young people the chance to complete an 18-month traineeship in their hometown.

Year 10 student Eva Russell will complete a Certificate II in Workplace Skills by the end of the program.

“My previous work experience at the Margaret River Primary School in a Kindergarten class clarified that my long-term goals are better aligned with a career in Human Resources, which excites me as I pursue new opportunities in this field,” Eva said.

She said her appointment, which will see her working with Katie Hull from Common Ground Trails, would give her a head start in her career.

“I’m most excited about having the hands-on experience in the office and the opportunity to work and learn from Katie,” Eva said.

Katie Hull said being part of the program was great for business, as well as Eva’s development.

“Although I’m teaching and providing work experience, I’ve found that I’m learning as well,” she said.

“It’s great to take on a mentoring role, which you don’t get to do so much in a small business with small teams.

“I’m so happy to be able to retain Eva at Common Ground Trails, but I also know that this is a great opportunity for her, and I’m excited about being a part of Eva’s development towards her career goals.”

Students will acquire experience and skills including time management, teamwork, and industry-specific knowledge.

The Apprentice and Traineeship Company has so far selected three Year 10 students and one Year 11 student to take part in practical training in automotive servicing technology, engineering and hairdressing.

The next round of selections for Year 10 students will be announced soon. All trainees will start in Term 1 of 2025.

Rio Tinto’s General Manager HSEC Operation Delivery, Claire Sommerville-Brown said the South West was vitally important to Rio’s operations.

“We are strongly committed to giving back and creating opportunities for local youth to develop essential skills that will support pathways to employment,” she said.

“We are extremely proud to partner with The Apprentice and Traineeship Company to develop skills and create opportunities for local youth.”

For more information about the traineeship, contact The Apprentice and Traineeship Company via polly@gtsw.com.au