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Trainees of the future were in full throttle at Kirwan State High School today, with Year 10 students participating in a Tradies for the Day workshop completing a series of activities to develop their trade skills.

The workshop was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with Glencore Mount Isa Mines who had some of their experienced tradespeople on hand to help guide the students.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Kirwan State High School principal, Heather Murry said the students enjoyed the change from the classroom and a chance to talk about following a trade career after school.

“Our Year 10 students are now making decisions about the subjects they will study in Years 11 and 12, so today was perfectly timed for the students considering a vocational pathway for senior school,” said Ms Murry.

Fiona Pascoe, Manager Human Resources and Training Glencore Zinc Assets Australia, said they were proud to support the workshop at Kirwan State High and have members of their team on hand to share their trade expertise.

“There is a chronic shortage of skilled tradespeople in the resources sector, so today was a good opportunity to share career stories with the students and encourage them to consider joining our industry after Year 12,” said Ms Pascoe.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones, said research had shown school leavers were interested in pursuing careers that offered them lifestyle flexibility, good income and in a role which had meaning.

“The resources and energy sectors tick all these boxes,” said Ms Jones.

“There are comprehensive trade apprenticeship programs which combine practical experience with vocational studies, which can be completed while earning a good wage.

“Young people also enjoy the flexible lifestyle offered in our industry, with rosters enabling more time to pursue travel or other recreational activities,” she said.

“The biggest reward is having a role in an industry which is mining the minerals needed to create new technologies for the future.”

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 supported by QRC members and the Queensland Government as part of its Gateway to Industry Schools Program.