In a first for Collinsville State High School students, 20 of its years 10 to 12 students will experience what it’s like to be a trades person this week, while using their skills to provide a valuable new facility to benefit all students.

The students, under the guidance of trades people from Glencore Coal will build an enclosure to enable discus throwing on the school oval.

The event, run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), aims to showcase the skills needed in the trades and careers available and how to get there.

“It’s a real opportunity for these students to understand how mathematical, problem-solving and collaborative skills are used in the trades within the context of a real life application,” said Glencore Coal’s Leanne O’Donoghue.

“It’s really important that students experience the full range of careers available to them and these hands-on exercises are a great way of sparking interest in a trade pathway,”

“Our trades people really love mentoring the young students and sharing their personal experiences of their career choices,” she said.

“It’s also a great way for us to spot talent for our next generation of apprentices.”

“This is a great opportunity for our students,” said Collinsville State High School Principal Anna Reeves.

“The project will help put into context the work the students do in the classroom, while giving them a sense of achievement in building a much-needed facility for the school.”