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Students from Bundaberg and Gin Gin State High Schools today swapped traditional classroom learning for a “day on the job” as the resources sector’s next highly sought-after tradesperson at the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) Tradies for a Day workshop.

Guided by apprentices and experts from Evolution Mining and representatives from the QMEA, around 20 Year 10 students spent the day rotating through a series of exciting trade-based activities, getting a taste for what a rewarding career in resources can look like.

The QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), runs the popular ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshop across Queensland schools to provide students with a working understanding of careers within the minerals and energy industries leading to informed decisions on their future career path.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said Year 10 students benefit from gaining knowledge from industry experts on different types of trade-based career opportunities.

“Working closely with representatives from Evolution Mining today allowed students to try some exciting hands-on trade activities in a safe environment, whilst also getting first-hand advice on how they can transition from school directly into an apprenticeship or traineeship,” she said.

“In addition to pursuing education pathways, the activities in this workshop have been designed to encourage students to work towards completing vocational qualifications such as a Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation.”

Evolution Mining Mt Rawdon General Manager, Darren Gibcus said engaging the next generation into pursuing a trade-based career would help support local employment options as well as boosting the number of skilled applicants entering the resources sector.

“Right now, there is a huge demand in the mining sector for auto electricians, diesel fitters, boilermakers, and mechanical fitters to name a few and Evolution is passionate about inspiring people in our communities into sustainable employment options,” Darren said.

“The resources industry’s appetite for people with trade-based skills is increasing, and Evolution Mining has partnered with the QMEA on this workshop to give students an understanding of career options within the minerals and energy industries so they can make informed decisions on their future career path to help support their families and communities.”

Bundaberg State High School Principal, Chris Gill said students always look forward to the ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshop when it comes on campus.

“Not all students will end up pursuing professional career pathways and this program shines a light on the technical, trade-based roles on offer whilst showing students how the school curriculum helps them pursue these exciting, hands-on careers,” Mr Gill said.

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training 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 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.