Freeport-McMoRan and Education Forward Arizona are launching a new initiative to provide students with career opportunities.
The program, called Guarantee Your Future with Freeport, will offer 25 students education, training, and experience via a paid-summer internship and mentoring at the company.
At the conclusion of the program it also provides participants with the opportunity for job placement in one of six technical fields. The occupations offered are diesel technician, industrial electrician, process control/instrumentation technology, fixed plant maintenance/advanced manufacturing, heavy equipment operations, and welder.
“At Freeport-McMoRan, we recognize the challenges posed by the ongoing workforce shortage across many industries, including our own, and we are committed to finding innovative solutions to address the gap,” said Tracy Bame, president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan, a worldwide leader in metals and one of the largest publicly traded copper producers.
Education Forward Arizona is a statewide advocacy group dedicated to improving Arizona’s economy and quality of life through education. It champions the Achieve 60AZ education goal and the Arizona Education Progress Meter. The organization provides scholarships and programs to enhance postsecondary attainment for Arizona students.
“It’s an honor to join forces once again with Freeport-McMoRan to launch the Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program,” said Education Forward Arizona President and CEO Rich Nickel. “This initiative is a testament to Freeport-McMoRan’s commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity in Arizona and beyond. We are proud to partner with a company that prioritizes scholarships for students in need, workforce development and the value of investing in education. Together, we are empowering individuals to gain the skills they need to thrive in high-demand industries while building a stronger, more resilient Arizona workforce for the future.”
Those who complete the program and meet employment eligibility requirements will be offered a full-time job at one of Freeport-McMoRan’s nine copper and molybdenum mining operations in Arizona, Colorado or New Mexico, having committed to work for the company for three years.
The program begins in August with classes offered at a variety of Arizona community colleges. The applications are due on June 21, and those above the age of 18 at the time of employment with Freeport-McMoRan are eligible to apply. The program will also cover education expenses such as tuition, fees, and books.
Freeport-McMoRan Inc., which is headquartered in Phoenix, operates extensive, long-lived, and geographically diverse assets, including significant copper, gold, and molybdenum reserves.
The company maintains key operations in the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, and large-scale mining in North and South America, such as the Morenci district in Arizona and Cerro Verde in Peru. The company collaborates with communities, governments, and organizations to maximize mining benefits and support community well-being, particularly for Native American communities near its operations.