Catholic education students attend Women in Alcoa Mentoring Day
31 March 2017
MCC students with Alcoa leaders as they learnt about their roles and responsibilities.
A group of female students from Mandurah Catholic College participated in a one-day workshop at Alcoa’s Huntly Mine recently, with the aim of establishing relationships with women in leadership roles in the mining industry.
The Year 11 students were required to submit applications to the College’s Vocational Education & Training Learning Area for the opportunity to attend the Women in Alcoa Mentoring Day.
“The opportunity for these young women to visit an actual mining site and meet inspirational women employed in the mining industry is a relationship that we wish to continue,” said Mrs Michelle Lucas, Head of Vocational Education & Training.
“The experience, advice and knowledge gained by these girls as a result of this opportunity is something that will provide inspiration as they continue their education and career journey” Mrs Lucas said.
Those students who attended spent the day shadowing a mentor, and now have the opportunity to keep in contact with them throughout the year. The Connecting the Generations program was held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The theme this year was #BeBoldForChange.
“My mentor was Sarah Van Sickler, Operations Manager and Acting Mine Manager of Huntly Mine. She leads 550 personnel and ensures that the mine’s production goes smoothly. Sarah emphasised how important it is to take care of yourself and your family when working towards your goals,” said student, Katherine Magpily.
The day was a great opportunity to connect our leaders with future leaders in the community, said Ms Beth Butler, Alcoa Mining’s Community Relations. “The group had three key learnings for the day; the need to be personally organised, to set realistic plans and to ensure that communicating with others is always part of the plan.
What an amazing collaboration between Mandurah Catholic College and Alcoa to provide an invaluable experience for students that will affect their future career and leadership choices.
