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Year 11 and 12 students from Bundaberg and Gin Gin state high schools are swapping classroom learning for an ‘Oresome Trades’ camp this week, thanks to the support of Evolution Mining.

The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) is in town to deliver a three-day school-based camp hosted by Bundaberg State High School for 20 lucky students.

As the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), the QMEA team is well placed to guide students through hands-on trade activities that occur in real life on a mine site.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said students are also developing their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills and learning more about the diverse careers available in the resources and energy industry.

“This camp caters for a wide range of trade interests including auto electrics, fitting and fabrication as well as design, construction and appraisal, so students will come away with a much clearer picture of what these jobs involve,” she said.

“This unparalleled work experience is a valuable opportunity for local students in their final years of secondary school to immerse themselves in exciting trade professions.

“These students are on the precipice of choosing their vocational or tertiary education pathways, and we hope this camp will inspire them to pursue an apprenticeship in the resources and energy sector.”

Bundaberg State High School Principal, Mr Chris Gill said the camp is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of what’s involved in a trade career so they can make informed choices in the future.

“We know not every student will pursue tertiary academic career paths, and this program sheds light on the technically oriented trade roles available locally,” Mr Gill said.

“By showcasing the strong correlation between the school curriculum and these dynamic hands-on careers, students gain a deep understanding of how they can forge their own pathway by experiencing a breadth of trades.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 97 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.