Mt Isa trades_edits
  • Click here for photos and video of the trades workshop in Mount Isa
  • Click here for photos of the career skills workshop in Cairns

From trades to technicians, electricians to engineers, mechanics to metallurgists – all roles were covered across two workshops held in Mount Isa and Cairns this week, giving school students a glimpse into potential careers in the resources sector.

The workshops were delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) with the generous support of Glencore Mount Isa Mines.

Year 10 students from Spinifex State College interested in carving out a future in trades were able to immerse themselves in a two days of trades-based activities under the supervision of experienced tradespeople from Glencore.

Samantha Stevens, Superintendent of Human Resources at Glencore Mount Isa Mines said the Spinifex students had risen to the challenge of completing a range of tasks similar to the ones required by tradespeople working within mining operations,

“There is an ongoing demand for people to fill trade roles like diesel fitters, mechanics, and electricians, in our sector – and I hope the workshop has encouraged the students to follow a career in this direction,” said Samantha.

“Our four-year apprenticeship program is one of the largest in Queensland and we would like to see school leavers from Mount Isa join this program and be a part of our future.”

Cairns students interested in following a career in the resources sector, were also catered for with the first Skills for the Sector workshop at The Busy School.

The Busy School Principal, Naomi Vucas said they were proud to host the first QMEA workshop in Cairns.

“Our students were excited to find out more about the range of roles available in the resources sector,” said Ms Vucas.

“I know many of them have a genuine interest in working in the resources industry, with so many operations providing employment in North Queensland.”

QRC Director of Skills, Diversity and Education, Katrina-Lee Jones, said both workshops reflected the QMEA and Glencore’s commitment to supporting the development of youth in the region.

“Both the trades and career workshops have been designed to develop skills, provide practical advice and create a connection between the students and the resources industry,” said Ms Jones.

“We know that workshops like these may the first step into a career which will bring these young people great personal and professional rewards.”

For more information on a future career in the resources sector visit: shapeyourfuture.com.au

The QMEA is an industry-led education initiative designed to show school students how studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and trades can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. It is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools program supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

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