CQ Trades Camp Site Tour edited

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While most students have returned to the classroom this week a select group of Central Queensland Year 11 and 12 students have instead been doing a five-day intensive trades camp delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

Twenty-four students from Central Queensland high schools joined together for the camp based at Moranbah State High School which kicked off with a site tour of Peak Downs Mine in the Bowen Basin.

The Oresome Trades Camp has been made possible with the support of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) who facilitated the site tour and sponsored the five-day camp.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and engages with 100 schools across the State with the support of industry sponsors and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the camp was a learning adventure which benefited both the students and the industry.

“We know that students from QMEA schools entering apprenticeships or traineeships are three times more likely to do so in the mining or energy industry,” said Ms Jones.

“There is a high demand in the sector for heavy diesel fitters, automation engineers and electricians along with other trade roles – this trades camp gives the students the opportunity to develop their skills and explore the potential career pathways.”

Mick Thomas, General Manager of BMA’s Peak Downs Mine said BMA was pleased to be supporting the camp which helped local students to connect with the resources sector and provide some practical hands-on experience as well.

“We have a strong apprenticeship program at BMA and the Oresome Trades Camp is a great opportunity for us to showcase the depth of our apprenticeship program, share the experiences of some of our current apprentices and help the students to learn new skills,” he said.

“We are very passionate about exposing the next generation to career pathways in the mining industry, and camps like this give us a chance to identify students interested in a trades career who may be a potential apprentice.”

The camp is being held at Moranbah State High School and school principal Michelle Pole said it provided the senior students with a unique experience to improve their trade skills under the supervision of tradespeople working in the industry.

“Over the week the students have completed a trades project which gives them a realistic view of the work required of mechanical, diesel and electrical apprentices,” said Ms Pole.

“The project is also a chance for them to build on their problem-solving and communications skills as they work together to complete the task.”

The Year 11 and 12 students participating in the camp are from:

  • Moranbah State High
  • Dysart State High
  • Mackay State High
  • Pioneer State High
  • St Patrick’s Catholic College

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