Students from Monto, Moura, Biloela, Rockhampton and Mount Morgan State High schools had their interest in pursuing a trade after school further ignited last Thursday when they participated in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) 'Toolkit 4 School Kids' workshop in Biloela.
Sponsored by Anglo American and facilitated by the QMEA, the one day workshop allowed 20 Year 10 students from across the Central Queensland region gain valuable insight into the life of a tradesperson and exposure to the types of training and activities they would complete through an apprenticeship at a mine.
QMEA Acting Director Katrina-Lee Jones said attendees networked with industry trades people from Dawson and Callide mines at the GAGAL Trade Training complex Biloela.
"Programs such as the Toolkit for School Kids are essential in ensuring students make informed career decisions while also encouraging them to consider careers in trades," Katrina-Lee said.
The day's activities were designed to ensure participants left with a real trade experience so throughout the day they tried their hands at welding, mechanics and basic electrics.
Talent Manager for Anglo American's Coal business, Debbie Butler, said the Toolkit 4 School Kids workshop was the culmination of a great partnership between industry, education providers, the community and Government.
"We were delighted to help fund this workshop to directly benefit young people in our areas of operation by providing practical experience and exposure to people who could provide meaningful advice on future career pathways," Debbie said.
"Most importantly, the event helped get the students thinking about their futures while providing awareness of the exciting opportunities that await them in the resources sector," she said.
The workshop included career information sessions, guest speakers with trade qualifications or current apprenticeships, networking opportunities with people working in the Minerals and Energy sector as well as examples of trade tasks and experience.
Along with other team members from Callide and Dawson mines, Callide's Maintenance Superintendent Alex List and Dawson's Maintenance Superintendent Richard Siddle helped supervise activities and share advice with the students based on their years of experience.
This year the QMEA will offer the Toolkit 4 Schoolkids programs to more than 120 students across the state.
The QMEA is Australia's most successful industry and education partnership and is the result of a strong collaboration between the resources sector through the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.
Anglo American has been a major sponsor of the QMEA for almost 10 years and through our sponsorship we aim to provide training and development opportunities for students at the schools near our areas of operation.
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