Central Queensland students will this week experience what it’s like to be an engineer in an operating mine.

A strong contingent of Central Queensland senior students will be joined for the first time by girls from Brisbane’s Somerville House in the BMA Make It Now in Engineering (MINE) Challenge at the Saraji Mine near Dysart.

Run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) it’s the first time the long-running camp has taken place at the Saraji mine. It presents a perfect opportunity to promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Three teachers will also experience first-hand the many STEM careers available to students in the resources sector and the highly technological nature of mining. They will receive direct insights into engineering and how it applies to the new senior curriculum to be taught in schools from 2019.

Students will work with BMA graduates from a range of disciplines to solve real-world engineering problems and will have the opportunity to see the mine in operation to gain a better understanding of the diverse processes that are carried out on a mine site.

“BMA loves having students on site and it really opens their eyes to the career possibilities,” said BMA’s Senior Community Advisor Peter Dowling.

“We’re particularly pleased to see so many local students taking part and girls being part of the mix. BMA understands the need to have a diverse workforce and is working hard to achieve gender parity in all our operations,” he said.

“The QMEA very much appreciates the commitment of BMA to encouraging students to consider the resources sector as a career destination,” said Katrina-Lee Jones, Director Skills, Education and Diversity for the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

“At a time when industry is experiencing a shortage of engineers in mining and other disciplines, this camp could not have come at a better time.”

“It’s industry commitment such as this that results in a higher proportion of QMEA students ending up in STEM-related careers,” she said.

“I also acknowledge the contribution of CIVEO who again are generously providing all accommodation and meals for the students and teachers at the mine camp.”

Other schools with students attending are:

• Moranbah SHS
• Emerald SHS
• Chanel College, Gladstone
• Dysart SHS
• Clermont SHS
• Nanango SHS