Investigation, creation and innovation were all on display at two specialist workshops held at Redeemer Lutheran College in Biloela in July.

Students from Years 7, 8 & 9 discovered more about the practical application of physics in a Heavy Hydraulics workshop, while the Year 10 students became Tradies for a Day, completing a series of practical trade activities.

Both workshops were delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), with the generous support of Batchfire Resources.

While the workshops each had a different focus, they shared a common goal of applying concepts learnt at school to activities in mining operations.

Batchfire Resources CEO, Alan Fidock said the company is proud to support yet another QMEA workshop after a successful STEM Unearthed workshop last term.

“Education is the backbone of a rewarding career in resources, and at Batchfire we are keen to help local schools deliver workshops that stimulate the students’ interest in STEM and vocational studies,” said Alan.

“We hope many of these students remember this day and apply for future apprenticeship or graduate programs at Callide Mine!”

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones, said the aim was to stimulate the students’ interest and open their minds to the potential careers they could have in the resources sector.

“In the Heavy Hydraulics workshop the students were challenged to design an extension to a model hydraulic arm, with the criteria that it needs to be able to either lift, move or dig an object – similar to an excavator.

“They worked in groups to create the design and implement it on their hydraulic arms, giving them an idea of the physics behind mining machines and the various attachments required to perform different actions on site.”

Katrina-Lee said the Year 10 students had also been excited to participate in the popular Tradies for a Day workshop.

“They rotated through a series of different trades-based activities under the guidance of our VET project officer and experienced tradespeople from Batchfire, who also were able to share their career experiences.”

For information on starting a career in the resources industry visit: shapeyourfuture.com.au