Rio Tinto eyes Albany for 100 high-paid apprentices to boost fly-in, fly-out workforce

Mining giant Rio Tinto is considering creating more than 100 new high-paying jobs for apprentices from Albany and the surrounding area, according to a City of Albany councillor.

Greg Stocks told Tuesday night’s council meeting that he had heard the proposal during a recent discussion with the manager of Rio’s Brockman mine site in the Pilbara.

Cr Stocks said the plan, which was not yet confirmed, could see Rio expand its current demand for fly-in, fly-out staff from Albany by “potentially more than 100 new jobs”.

“They’re particularly interested in expanding their FIFO route out of regional centres,” he said.

“They were willing to put on either a bigger plane or an additional plane fairly soon.”

Cr Stocks said the jobs could be worth about $160,000 each a year, and that Rio was interested in hiring apprentices from local businesses.

“It’s not a done deal but we’re there in the mix — there’s an even chance we will succeed,” he said.

Cr Stocks said Rio was expected to host meetings in Albany in mid-July to discuss the proposal.

Rio has been contacted for comment.