• Click here for photos of the Pioneer State High School trade camp
• Click here for photos and video of the Dysart trade camp

Trade futures for local students in the resources sector are looking ore-some following the delivery of two trade camps in the region by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Year 11 students from four secondary schools gained hands-on experience and valuable insights into trade careers this week at a three-day Oresome Trades Camp thanks to the generous support of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

This follows on from the success of a recent five-day trade camp at Dysart attended by students from Moranbah, Dysart and Mackay.

Both camps were designed for students keen to pursue trade pathways in the mining and resources industry, giving them the opportunity to work alongside experienced tradespeople from BMA.

Sally Munns, Head of Vocational Education at Pioneer State High School, who hosted the event, said the camp gave students an invaluable experience combing both practical skills and career insights.

“The students are excited to be working on a trade project, building a model mining vehicle, with the support of BMA tradespeople who are also talking to them about their jobs in the industry,” said Ms Munns.

“This trade camp opens minds and opens doors, I have been a part of the QMEA community since it started 20 years ago and I know many students have gone onto carve out a trade career in the industry following the connections they’ve made at camps like this,” she said.

“The QMEA Ore-some Trade camps are not only good on the students’ resumes, they also create real industry connections which shape futures.”

Ms Munns, who previously taught at Dysart State High School, recently received a ‘Powerful Educator’ award from the QMEA as part of their 20-year milestone celebrations this year.

Over the three days, students have also developed essential employability skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving.

Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Policy Director – Education, Skills and Diversity, said the trade camp programs have had a great success in inspiring the next generation of diesel fitters, electricians, maintenance mechanics and many more trade roles in high demand in the sector.

“By working side by side with industry mentors, students get a real feel for the rewarding careers available and many walk away even more determined to follow their trade goals.”

The Trade Camp is part of QMEA’s ongoing commitment to connecting schools with industry, helping students explore pathways that lead to meaningful, skilled careers in Queensland’s vital resources sector.

The students attended the camp from the following schools:

• Pioneer State High School
• Mackay North State High School
• Mackay Northern Beaches State High School
• St Patrick’s College