“Off To Work We Go”: Collinsville Students Pick Up A Trade

Local students pulled on their hardhats and steel-capped boots for two days of work experience at a Collinsville Mine Site on Wednesday, November 2.

The grade 10 and 11 Collinsville State High School students took to the mines for a tour, as well as a trades-focused workshop courtesy of Glencore Coal.

Coordinated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), roughly 20 students went behind the scenes at the site, exploring firsthand the mine’s varied local career opportunities on offer.

QMEA Director, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the students rotated through hands-on trade activities under the guidance of Glencore Coal representatives, getting a feel for what skills are needed to pursue a “rewarding trade-based career in the resources sector.”

“This unique two-day experience strategically incorporates the most valuable aspects of work experience and life experience, helping the students bolster their professional and manual skills in a real-world context,” Ms Jones said.

“Integrating a school excursion with a skills-based workshop allows these bright young men and women to see how the activities they’re learning translate to in-demand, highly-paid jobs in a local industry.”

Human Resources Manager at Glencore Coal, Anthony Exelby said the two-day experience connected students with some of the company's most knowledgeable tradespeople, who can also provide personal insights into the extent of career pathways available.

“Each year, Glencore Coal brings on a new cohort of recruits for its four-year apprenticeship program, and we heavily rely on the talent pipeline that comes from local high schools to fill roles like electricians, mechanics, and boilermakers,” Mr Exelby said.  

“We want these students to experience some of the cutting-edge technology and innovative practices we have at our sites, helping us make our operations safer and more efficient.”

Collinsville State High School Principal, Mrs Anna Reeves said students greatly benefitted from learning new skills under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

“Not only did the site tour and workshop show our students the different types of exciting career possibilities in their hometown, but it helped them make new professional networking connections,” Mrs Reeves said.

“The activities were also an excellent opportunity for them to apply their life skills like teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking.”

QMEA, as Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training initiative, said they seek to “broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.”

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 90 schools and is a partnership between the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

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Students at Collinsville State High School headed to the mines to participate in work experience thanks to Glencore Coal

The Grade 10 and 11 students took part in a trades-focused workshop, as well as enjoying a tour of the Collinsville Mine Site

Images: Supplied QLD Minerals and Energy Academy