Students from Moura State High School and Theodore State School swapped the classroom for a coal mine last month at Dawson Mine’s Career Fair.
Anglo American’s Dawson Mine hosted 41 students, showcasing the breadth of careers available in the resources sector, from engineering to human resources, business analytics, finance, safety, environmental science, drones and digital technology.
A workshop tour, hands-on demonstrations and behind-the-scenes insights provided the students with a real-world look at the roles that keep a mine running.
Dawson Mine General Manager Matt Stevens said that by engaging with schools in the region they are helping students see a future career for themselves right here in Central Queensland.
“Modern mining is as much about innovation, strategy and people as it is about machines and resources and we’re proud to open our gates to show students the careers available in the resources sector.
“Showing the diversity of roles on-site can help demystify mining and broadens students’ aspirations beyond traditional operator roles.
“We want students to see a mine site isn’t just trucks and diggers; it’s a complex operation that needs people with all kinds of skills, from data analytics to health and safety, strategic planning and environmental science.
“Whether you love solving problems, working with people or using technology to make things more efficient, there’s a place for all passions in mining.”
Matt said it is vital young people in towns like Moura, Theodore and Banana can see future careers for themselves in their own backyard.
“I myself began my career as an apprentice diesel fitter in the army and 26 years later I’m a manager of a mine. Just because you choose a path at school, that never means you are locked in. There is a massive industry out here which means you can pivot your skills wherever you find your passion.”
Moura State High School Principal Vanessa Moller said the Careers Fair was a good opportunity for the students to experience the vast array of positions and work that is available at the mine.
“It’s not just about driving a truck; there’s a whole range of different experiences out there, different work and different transitions through the workplace.”
Theodore State School Principal Dan Williamson agreed that it was an eye-opening experience for the students.
“We are only P-10 and it has really opened our kid’s eyes up about career paths going into Year 11 and 12. A lot of our kids go to boarding school but for the kids that are at Theodore State School, they are uncertain on where they are going to go, or whether they are even going to finish high school.
“Today I have heard a lot of conversations about ‘maybe we are going to go to Moura, look at the career path there’, and really put their hat in the ring for an opportunity for employment to set themselves up.”
