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Manufacturing careers in Geelong
Manufacturing is the lifeblood of Geelong in Victoria, but the industry is suffering from skill shortages, not least in the engineering sector. Locally based aluminium producer Alcoa of Australia and six local engineering firms are doing something about that, with Regional Industry Career Adviser Maria Zaluski and the Local Community Partnership playing a significant role in supporting their program.
Alcoa’s Future Leaders of Industry Manufacturing Scholarships give selected year 9 and 10 students the opportunity to experience aspects of manufacturing industry through a structured six-month program.
In 2006, 13 local secondary students took part in the Alcoa program, with in-kind support from six companies recruited by Maria Zaluski—Sava Engineering, GD MFG Engineers, AGB Group, Danum Engineering, Kempe Services and Brockman Engineering. In 2007, the numbers increased to 20 students and 10 companies.
Rich mix of experiences
The program offers the students a rich mix of experiences to encourage them onto a pathway to employment in manufacturing.
An evening launch recognises the scholarship recipients and promotes the industry. Later, a networking breakfast, sponsored by the Geelong Manufacturing Council, introduces the students to role models who have forged a career in manufacturing. After breakfast, they’re taken on a tour of their preferred employer’s workplace.
Later, a Buddy Day pairs scholarship holders up with an employee in the workplace for a day. And another day placement in a university or TAFE builds their awareness of the breadth of the engineering and manufacturing sector.
To hone their presentation and communication skills, the students undertake a three-hour skills training session.
Manufacturing company and Local Community Partnership representatives attend school assemblies to acknowledge the students’ achievements and promote the sector.
At the annual Alcoa Apprenticeship Awards Night, scholarship recipients witness apprentices only a couple of years older receive prestigious awards and commendations.
At least one of the students has made his intentions clear. ‘Now I’ve done the project I’m set on engineering,’ he said. ‘I just need to decide whether to go to university or TAFE and what field of engineering to study.’
Contact
Maria Zaluski
Ph: 0427 947 257