Oresome opportunity: School camp gives a true taste of mining trades
Year 11 and 12 students from Blackwater, Dysart and Moranbah State High Schools will be immersed in real-world work scenarios over the next three days, in a camp facilitated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
The ‘Oresome Trades Camp’ runs from 29 September to 1 October and is hosted in the workshop at Moranbah State High School. Students will spend each night at the Civeo Camp at Coppabella, giving them an authentic experience of mining accommodation.
QMEA’s Manager of Skills and Education, Matthew Heskett, explained, “The objective of the ‘Oresome Trades Camp’ is to build students’ skills while exposing them to the many employment opportunities in the resources sector.”
Matthew believes the residential camp will deliver multiple benefits. “The students will design, make and appraise a small replica site vehicle, wiring it to have fully functioning lights. The task requires initiative and cooperation, helping them to develop their communication and problem-solving skills.”
“Holding a three-day event like this allows students to focus on the challenges fully and encourages them to make connections and build networks for the future,” he said.
The participants will also benefit from working alongside BMA representatives. BMA Asset President James Palmer said the students will gain invaluable industry insights: “They’ll be exposed to a variety of trades typical of those used on operations throughout the region. Their experience will mirror many of the challenges that we regularly encounter, and it will be interesting to see how they respond.”
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 with the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.