STEM camp at Mount Isa attracts students from the city to the bush
Click here for camp photos.
While most students were relaxing over the school holidays, a small group has used the time to build their STEM skills and explore career options in an Oresome Minds camp at Mount Isa this week. From Mansfield to Miles to Moura –16 senior students gathered from across Queensland to participate in the workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the generous support of Glencore Queensland Metals.
The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
The students have had an action-packed week working in groups to develop, design and deliver a project of work related to the resources industry, all under the careful supervision of the Glencore team.
Glencore Manager, Human Resources and Training, Fiona Pascoe said the camp gave the students a great insight into how their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) studies can be applied in the real world.
“They now have a better idea of how these fields are integrated into the production and processing of minerals at operations like Glencore,” said Ms Pascoe.
“They have also worked in groups to respond to a project brief and deliver a STEM project related to the resources sector – including mechanical, civil and electrical engineering and geological processing and services.”
““I hope the week has inspired them to continue their STEM studies and pursue a future career in the resources sector where they can make a real difference to the future.”
QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones, said the week was a unique change from the classroom with the students visiting Glencore site operations in Mount Isa as well as completing activities in the Glencore Skills training facilities.
“The Oresome Minds camp has been designed to give a blend of practical experience, resources sector insights and develop innovative skills with the STEM projects,” said Ms Jones.
It has been a unique experience for the students to be fully immersed in the resources sector for a week,” she said.
I am sure they will return to school armed with greater knowledge and a passion for a STEM-based career.”
“Thanks to the Glencore team for providing guidance and inspiration to the students during the week – their expertise and support has been invaluable.”
The Year 11 and 12 students attended the camp from the following schools:
- Bundamba State Secondary College
- The Gap State High School
- Moura State High School
- San Sisto College, Brisbane
- Corinda State High School
- Ignatius Park College, Townsville
- Spinifex State College, Mount Isa
- Alexandra Hills State High School
- Cloncurry State School P-12
- Miles State High School
- Mansfield State High School
- St Hilda’s School – Gold Coast.
The QMEA currently engages with 100 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.