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From the classroom to the coalface, Year 11 and 12 students from Moura and Biloela state high schools are this week participating in a dynamic five-day program delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), set to unveil their untapped apprenticeship potential.

In partnership with Anglo American and Queensland Resources Council, the ‘Oresome Trades Camp’ is a transformative experience where budding trade enthusiasts will discover firsthand the many exciting trade pathways in the resources and energy sector.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the unparalleled learning adventure kicked off this week with a site tour of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine, where students had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of an operating steelmaking coal mine.

“There aren’t many chances for Gen-Z to come face-to-face with awe-inspiring engineering marvels, witness the mesmerising operation of advanced machinery, and engage directly with the diverse career opportunities available within the industry,” Ms Jones said.

“After the mine site tour, the students were divided into teams where they put their trade skills to the test to conceptualise, build, and evaluate a model-scale light mine vehicle, complete with intricate auto electrical safety specifications and accessories.”

General Manager of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine, Dan Iliffe said Anglo American was pleased to support the camp again this year as a way to help local students connect with the resources and energy sector.

“This is a hands-on forum for students to bolster their tangible trade skills – getting a feel for what life is like as a mechanic or auto-electrician, or boilermaker, all while discovering how those skills translate to the real world,” Mr Iliffe said.

“Dawson Mine’s skilled apprentices and tradespeople enjoy guiding students through their group projects; mentoring them and sharing their personal career pathway experiences,” he said.

Moura State High School, Deputy Principal Mrs Halena Hall said students would present their completed projects to a panel of judges from Anglo American at the end of the week, highlighting the handy new tools and insights they picked up along the way.

“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for students in their final years of secondary school to gain valuable knowledge and expertise to make informed decisions about potential training pathways after school,” Mrs Hall said.

“As educators, we know students greatly benefit from exciting excursions that complement their school-based learning objectives, and this experience will also help them build their professional network and employability skills.”

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 98 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.