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Cloncurry State School P-12 Year 10 students swapped theory for tools for the day, participating in a hands-on Tradies for a Day workshop delivered by the QMEA Resources Skills Academy in partnership with South32.

The workshop gave the vocational pathway students a practical taste of trade skills and an idea on the many career pathways available across Queensland’s resources and energy sector.

Cloncurry State School Industry Liaison Officer, Liz Robertson said the experience helped students see how their school-based training could connect to real jobs and local career opportunities.

“For students interested in vocational pathways, experiences like Tradies for a Day are incredibly valuable because they build confidence, practical skills and a clearer understanding of where those skills can take them,” Ms Robertson said.

“Our students benefit from seeing how teamwork, problem-solving and hands-on learning apply beyond the classroom, especially in industries that are so important to our local community.”

During the workshop students completed a circuit of activities developed to reflect trade-based skills used in the industry, including electrical circuits; mechanical challenges and a virtual welding competition.

The students also learnt about the trade roles helping keep mine sites running safely and efficiently through discussions with two experienced South32 tradespeople.

South32 Vice President of Operations Cannington Rob Jackson said they were pleased to support a workshop which helped young people discover more about employment pathways in the north-west.

“South32 is proud to support QMEA workshops,” he said.

“By partnering with Cloncurry State School and the QMEA Resources Skills Academy, we are giving students first-hand insight into trade careers equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to explore pathways in the resources sector,” Mr Jackson said.

For more information about future careers in resources visit: shapeourfuture.com.au