Click here for CQ Oresome Trades Camp photos and video

For one group of Central Queensland students it has not been the usual week of school, moving from the classroom to a shared workshop for a unique trades camp delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

The Year 11 and 12 students, from five schools across Mackay and the Bowen Basin, completed a trade project and visited Saraji mine as part of the Central Queensland Oresome Trades Camp, hosted at Dysart State High School.

The camp gave students the chance to work alongside experienced tradespeople and BMA apprentices to build an operational model of a mine spec light vehicle l, complete with operational lighting and electrical circuits.

Dysart State High School Principal Donna Gilvarry said the camp was a great opportunity for students to build on their trade, teamwork and leadership skills.

“By the end of the camp each student will have an understanding of the trade careers they can follow into the resources sector,” said Ms Gilvarry.

“The students have also developed their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills this week – which will give them greater confidence in applying for apprenticeships after school.”

QMEA Acting Director, Jen Hoyle said the Oresome Trades Camp helped students make tangible connections with industry and gain a greater understanding of the opportunities that a career in the trades can provide.

“This camp gives students more than a taste of the trades,” Ms Hoyle said.

“It gives them a chance to connect with industry mentors and ask questions about their careers, giving them a real understanding of the trade roles in demand across mining operations in their region,” Ms Hoyle said.

Students from outside Dysart also got to experience another side of mining life, staying at the CIVEO accommodation facilities.

Eighteen students attended the camp from:

• Dysart State High School
• Pioneer State High School
• Mackay Northern Beaches State High School
• Sarina State High School
• Moranbah State High School

For more information on careers in resources visit: https://shapeyourfuture.com.au/