Rio Tinto Weipa Apprenticeship Opportunities
- Gain on the job experience and knowledge in a recognised trade qualification
- Ongoing training and development in a lucrative industrial sector
- Our friendly teams look after each other because your safety and wellbeing are always our priority
About the role
Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
We are looking for Apprentices to join Rio Tinto’s Operations in Weipa, where you will work across a variety of areas and gain exceptional knowledge and skills. The roles will commence in early 2026 with opportunities in the following areas:
- Auto Electrical Apprentice – to work in the LV workshop / HEQ
- Electrical Apprentice – to work in the Electrical team
- Mechanical (Fitter & Turner) Apprentices to work in the Main workshop
These roles are a great opportunity for hands on, self-starters who are looking to commence their career in heavy industry. You will be:
- Learning and developing trade knowledge and skills relating to plant maintenance, machinery, processes and systems deployed across the site.
- Working towards completing an apprenticeship in conjunction with a nationally recognised training plan through internal and external training
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs—striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities, and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us who we are.
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Shona’s career journey
2022 – Present
General Manager Weipa OperationsWeipa, Far North Queensland, Australia2020
General Manager Bell Bay AluminiumLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia2017
Metal products DepartmentBoyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia2014
Reduction line Manager – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia2012
Services department Manager Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia2011
Manager Health, Safety, Environment and business improvement Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia2010
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia2009
Operations SuperintendentGladstone, Queensland, Australia2005
Operations SuperintendentLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia2004
Graduate EngineerLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
A commitment to inclusion and diversity
We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.
Meaningful work
We’re industry innovators – driving responsible progress and exploring the boundaries of everything we do. And we work hard to leave a lasting, positive legacy for everywhere we work. Nothing could be more rewarding.
Opportunities for growth
With a business as expansive and diverse as ours, the opportunities for professional advancement are limitless. We’ll work with you to create a career plan, develop your skills, and further your education.
Excellent compensation and benefits
We offer great pay as well as a benefits package that recognises your contributions and provides you with everything you need to enjoy a truly rewarding life.
Safety
Though we’re continually focused on discovering, developing, and delivering the materials that make human progress possible, the safety and wellbeing of our employees have been and always will be our bottom line.
Inspiring people and an empowering culture
Whatever our individual roles, we’re each here to contribute to extremely important work. And we do it together. We inspire, encourage, empower and truly care for each other.
A commitment to inclusion and diversity
We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.
Meaningful work
We’re industry innovators – driving responsible progress and exploring the boundaries of everything we do. And we work hard to leave a lasting, positive legacy for everywhere we work. Nothing could be more rewarding.
Opportunities for growth
With a business as expansive and diverse as ours, the opportunities for professional advancement are limitless. We’ll work with you to create a career plan, develop your skills, and further your education.
Excellent compensation and benefits
We offer great pay as well as a benefits package that recognises your contributions and provides you with everything you need to enjoy a truly rewarding life.
Safety
Though we’re continually focused on discovering, developing, and delivering the materials that make human progress possible, the safety and wellbeing of our employees have been and always will be our bottom line.
Inspiring people and an empowering culture
Whatever our individual roles, we’re each here to contribute to extremely important work. And we do it together. We inspire, encourage, empower and truly care for each other.
A commitment to inclusion and diversity
We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.
01
Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
02
Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
03
Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.
