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What is the best way to spend the school holidays – a) sleeping in, b) hanging out with friends or c) going to an engineering camp?

For twenty Year 10 students from across Queensland, the school holidays meant one thing: taking part in the Oresome Engineering Camp at the University of Queensland.

Over the three-day camp, students have collaborated with university and industry experts to build, test, problem-solve and innovate a range of engineering challenges.

Camp activities included dynamic design-thinking sessions where students developed skills in problem identification, prototyping and solution design. These sessions helped students to refine their final engineering rehabilitation project before a group presentation to panel of experts on the final day.

The camp was jointly facilitated by the QMEA Resources Skills Academy (QMEA) and The University of Queensland’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and made possible through sponsorship from Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd (MDP).

Kosuke Sakai, MDP Division Head, CEO Office, said the company was proud to support the Oresome Engineering Camps for a second year. “MDP is keen to support activities that nurture students’ interest in engineering and a potential career in the resources sector,” said Mr Sakai.

“Engineers have always had a central role in mining, and it will expand with growing demand for engineering initiatives to enhance automation, safety, production and sustainability in the future,” he said.

“By working alongside industry representatives and university experts, the camp helps students see how classroom learning can lead into university studies and ultimately a rewarding career in mining. We’re proud to support the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.” Prof Ross McAree, Head of School – School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering.

Jen Hoyle, Director – QMEA & DEI, said the camp had been delivered again this year, building on the success of its first iteration in 2025.

“We had over 140 applications for just 20 places, the camp continues to be a highly sought-after opportunity for Year 10 students as they consider their senior subject choices,” said Ms Hoyle.

“Students are excited by the range of career opportunities open to them through engineering and in the resources industry, from traditional pathways like mechanical, mechatronic, civil and electrical engineering, as well as emerging engineering roles to support industry initiatives in data technology, automation, rehabilitation and decarbonisation.”

Students attended the camp from schools across Queensland:

All Hallows’ School
Anglican Church of Grammar School
Cannon Hill Anglican College – Brisbane
Centenary State High School – Ipswich
Chinchilla Christian College
Cloncurry State School P-12
Fortitude Valley State Secondary College
Good Shepherd Catholic College – Mount Isa
Kelvin Grove State College
Lourdes Hill College
Mansfield State High School
Marist College – Emerald
Moranbah State High School
North Rockhampton State High School
Pioneer State High School – Mackay
Redeemer Lutheran College – Biloela

Media Contact:
Alex Druce – a.druce@uq.edu.au or 0447 412 522