Elliouse, 18, has always loved tinkering with cars.
“I grew up tinkering with vehicles with my dad. It created a really strong bond between my dad and I and it was my happy place,” Elliouse said.
“I was so proud when we did up the Mitsubishi Triton. It had done a con rod bearing, which caused the piston to hit into the head and damage the valves, so we had to replace the bottom end bearings pistons and get another set of heads. It felt good when we had finished, and we turned the key and it ran.
“I was 14 when we did this, and I knew I wanted to be a diesel mechanic when I finished school.
“I was 16 and a student at Port Dalrymple School at George Town. We had the opportunity to visit Bell Bay Aluminium as part of the Beacon GrIPP Program.
“I have vivid memories of touring the site. It was an eye-opener, just the size of it and to hear about the opportunities was really exciting.
“The Beacon experience was the reason why I decided to apply for an apprenticeship position at the smelter.
“I saw an opportunity and I thought I should take it.
Elliouse began a school-based apprenticeship, which saw her spend four days at school and one day at the smelter.
She spent every school holiday working at Bell Bay Aluminium and then at the end of 2023, she started working at the smelter full-time – the day after she finished college.
“I am thankful for Beacon and Bell Bay Aluminium for providing a pathway to further education and employment,” Elliouse said.
“Working at Bell Bay Aluminium, I have had the opportunity to work on all types of vehicles – hot metal carriers, forklifts, trucks, utes, trailers, and sweepers.
“I love coming to work every day and working with the team in the garage, it is a really inclusive team and we have good banter.
“In my opinion all students should attend a Beacon GrIPP Program if given the chance, you never know what the outcome might be.
Elliouse is now completing the second year of her apprenticeship.
Beacon Foundation thanks Bell Bay Aluminium for their ongoing partnership and commitment to deliver more programs like this for the next three years. The renewed support will help us continue delivering more programs, ensuring more young Australians like Elliouse have the aspiration, motivation, and ability to determine their working future.
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