Oresome Trade Camps are 3 or 6-day workshops for Year 11 and 12 students from QMEA schools keen on pursuing a trade after school and interested in a career in the resources sector.

Camp outline

During the camp students complete a trade-based project supported by apprentices and experienced tradespeople working in the resources industry. The students will work alongside these mining and resources personnel throughout the camp, giving them a unique insight into real trade careers and roles they could aspire to in the future. The camp also supports students undertaking Certificate 1 or 2 in RIO.

The camp is designed to simulate a resources industry work environment with practical trade activities that challenge students to solve problems while being mentored by industry representatives. Students participate in activities relating to workshop safety, fabrication, mechanical and electrical training tasks. In some camps students will also visit a mine site. Participants will have the opportunity to present their completed trade project to industry mentors on the final day of the camp.

Camp benefits

Participating students will:

  • develop skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, innovation and problem solving.
  • have an opportunity to showcase their skills and career commitment to industry representatives
  • gain insights to help make informed decisions on their future career,
  • engage with industry representatives and start a professional network and
  • connect with students from other schools with similar interests and trade career goals.

How to Apply

  1. Identify the camp you are eligible to apply for in the table below.
  2. Click on the camp name to get camp application pack – including the application and teacher endorsement forms.
  3. Gather and scan copies of the following:
    – Your most recent school report
    – A signed and completed teacher registration form
  4. Complete the camp online application form in one sitting before the closing date.

Additional Information

  • Students must complete the online application form by the closing date.
  • A limited number of positions will be offered for each camp.
  • Successful applicants will be notified by their school’s key QMEA contact teacher.
  • Participants will need to bring their own safety boots and work pants/jeans.
  • All participants will receive a hi-vis shirt and polo shirt to wear during the camp.
  • Only students from towns outside the camp location will be eligible to stay in the camp residence – students living in the host town will return home on the completion of camp activities each day.

2026 Oresome Trade Camps Calendar

Click on the camp name for the application pack.

CampDateYear LevelHost SchoolInvited SchoolsApplications CloseWorkshop Sponsor
Central QldOresome Trades Camp15–19June202611/12Dysart SHS
  • Dysart SHS
  • Mackay SHS
  • Mackay Northern Beaches SHS
  • Mackay North SHS
  • Moranbah SHS
  • Pioneer SHS
  • Sarina SHS
  • St Patrick’s College Mackay
  • Whitsunday Anglican School
9am Thursday
30 March
BlackwaterOresome Trades Mini Camp11–13August202611/12Blackwater SHS
  • Blackwater SHS
  • Emerald SHS
  • Marist College Emerald
5pm Friday
26 June
Mount IsaOresome Trades Camp7–11September202611/12Spinifex State College
  • Spinifex Secondary College, Mount Isa
  • Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa
  • Kirwan SHS
  • Pimlico SHS
  • Thuringowa SHS
  • Ignatius Park College
  • Tec-NQ
5pm Friday
24 July
MouraOresome Trades Mini Camp15–17September202611/12Moura SHS
  • Biloela SHS
  • Moura SHS
  • Redeemer Lutheran College Biloela
5pm Friday
31 July
MackayOresome Trades Mini Camp4–6November202611/12Pioneer SHS
  • Mackay SHS
  • Mackay Northern Beaches SHS
  • Mackay North SHS
  • Pioneer SHS
  • Sarina SHS
  • St Patrick’s College Mackay
  • Whitsunday Anglican School
5pm Friday
18 September