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Moura and Biloela students are learning just how ‘Oresome’ a trade career can be this week as they attend the Oresome Trades Camp run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) – the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Tradespeople from event sponsor Anglo American are on hand to mentor the students through the hands-on practical project, and take them on a guided mine tour.

“This camp gives students the opportunity to work on a trade-based project supported by Anglo American mining apprentices and qualified tradespeople,” said Katrina-Lee Jones, Director Skills and Education with the QRC.

“It’s important for students be exposed to the many trades available in our resources sector, which is experiencing a critical shortage of trades people,” she said.

“In-demand trades include boilermakers, electricians, welders, fitters and turners and diesel mechanics.

“The Seek employment site reports that vacancies for boilermakers are up by 94 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“Technician vacancies are up by 70 percent, electricians by 47 percent, and fitters/turners/machinists by 30 percent.

“So, we really need more young people to consider taking up trade careers.”

General Manager of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine, Clarence Robertson, said trades were a great career option and enabled young people to train and then continue to live and work in their home communities.

“We’re very supportive of the work of the QMEA to expose students to these career options,” he said.

“The students will experience a range of activities that simulate the wide range of work that we carry out on our sites each day.

“They will design and fabricate a model car, complete with electrical wiring for head lights, stop lights, indicators and an emergency flashing light, putting their classroom theory into practice.

“I know that our team will spot some excellent talent during the camp and we look forward to seeing some of these students in our workshops in the future.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills 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 VET and STEM-related careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 80 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Media Contact: Caroline Morrissey  0417 770893 or Carolinem@qrc.org.au