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Students from throughout Queensland are in Mount Isa this week for the Oresome Minds Camp run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC)

The students were meant to travel to the copper city earlier in the year, but a COVID-19 lockdown put paid to those plans.

However, not to be deterred, the students have been working on their projects with their Mount Isa Mines mentors virtually over the past 10 weeks, and will this week present them face-to-face and experience a taste of life as a resources professional.

Necessity has been the mother of invention and it’s the first time the camp has been conducted with a virtual element.

As well as discovering how science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) is used every day in the resources sector, the students are learning from their industry mentors about the different opportunities available to them.

“Our staff have been looking forward to demonstrating how teamwork, problem solving and communication are key skills needed for success in our sector,” said Glencore Queensland Metals Human Resources Group Manager, Clint Milner.

“We hope that it will be a positive experience for the students and encourage them to consider careers in our sector, particularly engineering where we have a shortage of talent,” he said.

QRC’s Director Skills and Education Katrina-Lee Jones said it was important for students to be aware of the opportunities available in the sector with skills shortages, particularly in engineering and trades.

“It’s why we are currently running a social media campaign to encourage students to consider mining engineering,” she said.

Schools taking part are Spinifex State College, Good Shepherd Catholic College, Kelvin Grove State College, San Sisto College, Wavell State High School, Centenary State High School, and Nanango State High School.

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