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Trade trailblazers from five south-east Queensland Schools are set to unearth resourceful talents at a five-day learning experience delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

For the first time, Year 10 students from schools across south-east Queensland are participating in the QMEA’s popular ‘Oresome Trades Camp’, tasked with building a model-scale coal truck, and in the process are discovering the many rewarding career opportunities in minerals and mining.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said thanks to support from QRC members, a Bundamba State Secondary College classroom has transformed into a trade workshop today, paving the way for exciting apprenticeship pathways into the resources and energy sector.

“Nineteen students from Bundamba State Secondary College, Ipswich State High School, St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Kelvin Grove State College, and Redeemer Lutheran College are participating in our inaugural south-east Queensland Oresome Trades Camp this week,” Ms Jones said.

“Under the expert guidance of seasoned industry tradespeople from Glencore and Hastings Deering, they’re working in teams to design, build, and assess a model-scale coal truck complete with the required auto electrical safety specifications and accessories like headlights, taillights, indicators and even a rooftop pilot warning light.”

Bundamba State Secondary College Principal, Ms Carmen Anderson said the school was delighted to host this inaugural camp, helping the QMEA bring the resources and energy sector from the regions to metropolitan classrooms.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students who are on the precipice of choosing subjects for their final years of secondary school to try out various in-demand trade professions in the safety of their classrooms,” Ms Anderson said.

“On Friday, students will present their model coal trucks to a panel of industry representatives for judging, demonstrating their application of valuable skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, as well as highlighting the handy new technical skills they picked up along the way.”

Redeemer Lutheran College Acting Principal, Mr Richard Cornish said students will roll up their sleeves to partake in a wide array of trade activities including design, fabrication, welding, auto electrics, spray painting, sheet metal work, helping them master a myriad of tools and machines.

“The ‘Oresome Trades Camp’ is a unique opportunity for south-east Queensland’s future apprentices to unlock their trade potential, inspiring them to embark on training pathways that can lead to rewarding careers in the dynamic resources and energy sector,” Mr Cornish said.

“At the end of the camp, these bright young mining minds will be well-equipped to conquer the world of trades, minerals, and mining with the confidence and expertise of seasoned pros.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools 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 98 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.