After almost 12 months experiencing what it’s like to learn and work at our Greenbushes Lithium Operation, six young Trainees are preparing to take the next step in their careers. The trainees, Jay (Laboratory), Mary (Administration), Alex (Major Projects), Emilee (WHS&T), Jessica (Stores and Logistics) and Fern (Environment), will take with them a nationally recognized qualification in their field of study and an insight into the varied roles and opportunities available in the resources sector.
In December the 2022 Trainees were given an opportunity to provide feedback on their year at Talison.
Emily said the main takeaway of her was the opportunity to have a grounding in her Department, before spending time in other areas of the business to see how each Department connected and how everyone worked together to get the product (lithium) out.
Laboratory Trainee, Jay, enjoyed the analytical test work and seeing how the Team worked together to maintain output while expanding and improving the Laboratory.
Alexander, who worked in the Projects Department, valued the opportunity to learn about varied engineering roles across the business with the increasing scale of projects being undertaken at Talison.
Supply and Logistics Trainee, Jessica, said she had no knowledge of supply chain when she started her Traineeship, but soon found she was in the middle of a very important hub with connections and communications with every corner of the mine.
Mary, Administration Trainee, said working as part of the busy Administration Team was enjoyable with the opportunity to take on varied tasks and meet and greet Environment Trainee,
Fern, enjoyed working with the Environment and Community Team and involved herself in rehabilitation and monitoring activities and community engagement at the Greenbushes Discovery Centre.
Talison Lithium General Manager Operations said the programme provided a great opportunity for young people to take the first step in the transition from school to work. “When they walk in the Trainees are usually very reserved and when they walk out they are more confident in their approach,” he said.
The Talison Traineeships were introduced in 2013 and since then 43 Trainees have completed the programme. This year Talison will expand the programme to include mature-aged Trainees.
What’s next for our Trainees? Jay is off to University to study Frontier Physics (after some vac work in the Laboratory over summer). Mary is staying on in the Administration area but hoping to move into Information Technology. Alex is off to University to study Mechanical Engineering. Emilee is staying with the WHS & T Department as a casual officer before taking a position as a Process Operator. Jessica is taking on an Electrical Apprenticeship with the Maintenance Team. Fern is moving to the Infrastructure Team after taking her first overseas trip to New Zealand.
“As Talison expands its operations, we will expand our Traineeships - we want to ensure benefit to the individuals undertaking the Traineeships and to us as an organization seeking a skilled workforce,” said Mr Dawson.