Nineteen new first-year apprentices have walked through the gates of Rio Tinto‘s three Gladstone plants – QAL, Boyne Smelters and Yarwun – to begin careers in the aluminum industry.

The newcomers will join 71 other apprentices studying electrical instrumentation, fitting and turning and boilermaking across the three businesses.

Rio Tinto Gladstone communities and communications manager Kylie Devine-Hewitt said the company was pleased to be able to support local youth employment and looked forward to supporting the apprentices’ future career journeys.

“Apprentices are a valued part of Rio Tinto’s future in Gladstone and we are pleased to welcome these 19 enthusiastic team members to our business,” she said.

“Their eagerness, fresh ideas and different backgrounds will continue to help us to build diversity in the workplace that benefits our entire operation.”

During their four or five-year trades, the apprentices will gain practical, on-the-job training and formal qualifications delivered through CQUniversity.

The group will also be provided with mentors within the business to assist, challenge and inspire them throughout their training