Pipeline benefits flow at LIBERTY Bell Bay

Twelve new employees at Tasmanian smelter

GFG Alliance is continuing to grow the LIBERTY Bell Bay skill base in Tasmania with the induction of new intakes of locally-based apprentices, graduates and vacation students

As part of the GFG Pipelines career development program, three university students were employed for the 2022-23 summer at the LIBERTY Bell Bay (LBB) manganese smelter operation in the Australian state of Tasmania, six graduates joined the business in January and three apprentices were indentured in February. 

Head of Organisational Development, Bianca Standing said the graduates have all completed university studies in their chosen fields, which include engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, metallurgy, commerce and IT. 

We are providing our apprentices with a professional development program to assist with the transition for many of them from school to working life

Bianca Standing

The apprentices have been employed in the electrical, fabrication and fitting trades, while the Vacation Student Program sees current university students given the chance to work at the smelter during their holidays. 

“We are providing our apprentices with a professional development program to assist with the transition for many of them from school to working life,” Ms Standing said. 

“Our Graduate Program is providing amazing employment opportunities for university students who have finished their degree or post graduate studies and are now commencing their professional careers, applying their theoretical study into an operational environment. 

“And finally, the Vacation Student Program is giving third-year university students a taste of working life and preparing them for graduate opportunities on completion of their degree.” 

Interim Executive General Manager at LBB, Paul Venter said the intake of apprentices, graduates and vacation students was a breath of fresh air for the operation. 

“As part of our sustainability commitment, we need to put more effort into our next generation for guidance and development” Paul said. 

Just as pleasing for the operation was that all the new trainees were locally-based, providing an employment and economic boost for the region, while also allowing locals to work and live in their hometown. 

“It is really inspiring to see the energy of the next generation and also the satisfaction from our employees in passing on valuable knowledge and skills,” Mr Venter said. 

“Our recent Vacation Student Program presentations were impressive regarding how they brought fresh innovative thinking to find solutions for some of the challenges.” 

It is really inspiring to see the energy of the next generation and also the satisfaction from our employees in passing on valuable knowledge and skills

Paul Venter

GFG Alliance has started preparations for the 2023-24 Pipeline Program intake of vacation students, apprentices and graduates with a call for expressions of interest. Click on the Early Careers – Expression of Interest (FY24) for more information.