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Students from Bundaberg State High School are substituting pens for power tools this week as they eagerly participate in a three-day camp delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA), thanks to Evolution Mining.

Guided by apprentices and tradespeople from Evolution Mining and the QMEA, which is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), about 20 Year 11 and 12 students are getting hands-on tradie experience at the Evolution Oresome Trades Camp.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said the Bundaberg students are getting an opportunity to enhance their professional skills like critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and design while developing electrical, welding, and mechanical skills.

“Over the duration of the camp, students have been guided by experienced trade professionals as they design and construct a ‘mine vehicle’ made of sheet metal, comprising wiring for front and rear lights and a roof-mounted flashing light to simulate safety features,” Ms Jones said.

“Not only does this allow them to trial some exciting trade-based jobs in the safety of their classroom environment, but it helps them understand how these technical skills are transferable to real-world industry solutions.

“The resources sector is currently experiencing a major skills shortage across a wide range of trade-based roles, and this camp is all about showing them the training pathways to an exciting and rewarding career in mining.”

This afternoon (29 July), during the final day of the camp, students will present their mine vehicles and project findings to a panel of judges made up of representatives from Evolution Mining.

Evolution Mining Mt Rawdon General Manager, Joe Mammen said engaging students in their final years of senior school allows them to make an informed decision about pursuing a trade-based career.

“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,” Joe said.

“The outcomes from Evolution’s Oresome Trades Camp will not only support local employment options, but it will also go a long way in boosting the number of skilled applicants entering the resources sector.”

Bundaberg State High School Principal, Chris Gill said Oresome Trades is unlike any other school camp and the experience is invaluable for participating students.

“Grade 11 and 12 is a pivotal time for these students who are trying to decide what kind of tertiary pathway to take after leaving school,” Mr Gill said.

“This camp gives them an opportunity to begin their professional networking journey while sampling a variety of trade-based roles in an industry that can offer them local employment.”

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.