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Exciting work experience for Collinsville State High School students is being offered in the form of a mine site tour and trades-focused workshop across two days of fun, thanks to Glencore Coal.

Coordinated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), about 20 students from Grades 10 and 11 got to go behind the scenes at the Collinsville Mine site yesterday, exploring firsthand the different types of local career opportunities on offer.

QMEA Director, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said today the students will rotate through hands-on trade activities under the guidance of Glencore Coal representatives, getting a feel for what skills are needed to pursue a rewarding trade-based career in the resources sector.

“This unique two-day experience strategically incorporates the most valuable aspects of work experience and life experience, helping the students bolster their professional and manual skills in a real-world context,” Ms Jones said.

“Integrating a school excursion with a skills-based workshop allows these bright young men and women to see how the activities they’re learning translate to in-demand, highly-paid jobs in a local industry.”

Human Resources Manager at Glencore Coal, Anthony Exelby said this two-day experience successfully connects students with some of the company’s most knowledgeable tradespeople, who can also provide personal insights into the magnitude of career pathways available.

“Each year, Glencore Coal brings on a new cohort of recruits for its four-year apprenticeship program, and we heavily rely on the talent pipeline that comes from local high schools to fill roles like electricians, mechanics, and boilermakers,” Mr Exelby said.

“We want these students to experience some of the cutting-edge technology and innovative practices we have at our sites, helping us make our operations safer and more efficient.”

Collinsville State High School Principal, Mrs Anna Reeves said students greatly benefit from learning new skills under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

“Not only did yesterday’s site tour and today’s workshop show our students the different types of exciting career possibilities in their hometown, but it helped them make new professional networking connections,” Mrs Reeves said.

“The activities were also an excellent opportunity for them to apply their life skills like teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking.”

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.