Sarah is a Chemical Engineer Graduate at Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery, in y in the Peel region.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Working with lots of people and constantly challenging myself in a fast-paced environment.
Describe your career path to your current job? Completed a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and Commerce at Curtin University, worked part-time at Alcoa whilst completing my degree, now I’m a second-year graduate at Alcoa.
What attracted you to a career in mining and resources?
Locally based job and the complexity/large scale of the refining process.
What do you think of the general perception that mining and resources is a male-dominated sector? It’s somewhat true but it is changing for the better.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the sector? Definitely go for it, the work can be challenging but it’s worth it and there are a lot of people here to support you.
What’s the biggest thing you would like other women to know about working in mining and resources? It’s not as scary as it seems, although it’s male-dominated the employees are very respectful and great to work with.
What initiatives/policies has your employer put in place to encourage more women to be involved in the sector? HR catch-ups at different stages in your onboarding, KPIs to encourage diversity in the workplace, the AWN, or Alcoa Women’s Network to support women.
