Work experience inspires next gen at Queensland Metals
The final years of high school can be an exciting and equally nerve-wracking time for students as they contemplate, and look towards, the future.
Glencore’s Work Experience Program aims to alleviate some of this stress by helping the next generation find out what careers are locally available in the mining and resource sector.
The Work Experience Program provides an opportunity for students to experience first-hand the careers available and learn about various aspects of the industry, providing insight for important decisions regarding their career choices and prospects.
In April, around 40 students from Years 11 and 12 took part in the Work Experience Program and spent a week working with and shadowing employees in a variety of fields across Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines.
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Left to right: Work Experience Students Hayden Gibson, Cruz Campbell, Kathleen Farrelly, Samuel McMillan, Kyle Bartolo get dressed to go underground at George Fisher Mine.
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Seleena Blackley, Junior Administration Officer (left) from the Community Relations team taking Good Shepherd Catholic College student, Hannah O’Shea-Breed, through some corporate publications.
Many successful Mount Isa Mines employees started out as work experience students before gaining direct employment with Glencore or deciding to embark on further study and joining the mines.
Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines’ Human Resources Group Manager, Clint Milner, says the Work Experience Program provides a valuable opportunity for students that can help lay the foundation for their future success.
“This initiative allows students to gain practical insight into a career within the resources industry, allowing them to decide if it is a good fit for them,” says Clint.
“We deliver this program to assist young people in developing their confidence and build upon skills which will hopefully open some doors for students in north-west Queensland.”
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Ashley Sabamba, Health Advisor (left) explains the role of the Health team to Brooke Troxell, Year 12 work experience student from Spinifex State College.
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Left to right: Emily Logan and Lara Camenzuli at George Fisher Mine.
Growing up in Mount Isa, the mines have always been a familiar sight, with many local families having worked or currently working for the company. The Work Experience Program allows the next generation to personally experience the mining industry.
One of these students, Brooke Troxell, Year 12 School Captain at Spinifex State College, had her first taste of the industry in which her older brother and sister currently work.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my work experience with the Mount Isa Mines Health team and loved the exposure to Occupational Therapy and Health Advising and Clinical Nursing,” says Brooke.
“When you think of mining, you usually think about people working hard labouring underground, so this experience has truly opened my eyes to the many career pathways available to me.”