Students Learn about Tronox, Opportunities at Australind

The site hosted 17 learners in June, and employees shared their experiences and information about their roles.

As Tronox continues to encourage diverse pathways into the business, we build our organization with talented people who make a positive difference and invest in their success. During June, the Bunbury Pigment Plant hosted a group of students from The Smith Family (TSF) and Australind Senior High School for a speed career session, site tour, afternoon tea, and networking opportunity.

This was the first partnership endeavor between Tronox and TSF, which is Australia’s leading children’s education charity. The agency provides young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds the extra tools and support they need to succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education.

One way they do this is through their Work Inspiration Program – an employer-led initiative that provides young people with opportunities to experience the world of work firsthand in a meaningful and inspiring way. TSF engages with schools that work with at-risk or vulnerable students to encourage their participation in the program.

Tronox’s Australind site welcomed 17 students from ASHS, two teachers, and two TSF representatives to the site. Production Trainees Meg Taaffe and Kyle Oliver, and Apprentice Mechanical Fitter Regan O’Callaghan spoke to the students about their pathways into Tronox, what their roles mean, and gave some practical advice on securing a trainee or apprenticeship with Tronox.

Jeremy Paterson, Day Supervisor, and Shane Henderson, Electrical & Instrument Supervisor Maintenance, then showed the students the plant and workshop, while chatting about what a day in the life of a Tronox employee looks like.

The talks and tour were followed by an informal networking session and afternoon tea. Summa Hollins, Manager Human Resources Southern Operations, said it was important to show the local youth that although they may not enjoy school, it does not discount them from having a rewarding and successful career.

“We want to promote local employment and create meaningful pathways into Tronox across a diverse range of education journeys and skill sets,” she said. “It was great to show the students different options available to them, as well as give them the opportunity to ask questions in a safe, relaxed environment.”

Daniela Biviano from The Smith Family said Tronox’s support enabled students to engage with industry professionals and learn more about education and employment options.

“Student feedback from their time spent at Tronox indicated that the students enjoyed the experience to learn more about Tronox, explore the worksite and meet the staff,” she said. “We value the time commitment and passion from our host employers who share and support the same vision in helping The Smith Family to support young people to make informed choices about their education and career pathways; being able to showcase a local business to local students is extra special, too.”