Mining industry works with high schools to unearth new talent
Over 150 male and female high school students converged on Central's Northbridge campus last week to learn more about a career in mining from resource sector professionals.
The Get Into Mining days, run on 28-29 June, were designed by industry people from some of Perth's top resources companies to promote interest in the sector.
"We need more young people in mining but not many of our students know what it involves and how to get there," organiser Meryl Jones of St Barbara said.
"With Get Into Mining they met people and experienced first hand what we do and even got into a simulated underground environment at the training mine at Central."
This event was designed for Year 10 students and was timed specifically to assist them in their subject choices for senior school.
The expo-style event aims to add to the skills base of the resources and related sectors for the long term.
Students rotated through a series of activities from a range of career options and interacted with people who do those jobs: geologists, metallurgists, environmental scientists, engineers and managers. The industry personnel involved in the day were chosen because they love what they do and they convey this by being interesting, approachable and honest about their jobs.
The event was well supported by mining and resources companies and other organisations who are keen to address the predicted shortfall in trained and qualified staff the resources industry will continue to suffer in the future.
Support has been provided through direct sponsorship and companies providing their employees' time to participate as guests, presenters, exhibitors and activity facilitators.
Integral to the day is The CUT Mine - a pioneering learning resource and the only facility of its kind in Western Australia. The unique underground mine is situated in the heart of the Central Institute of Technology's 25 Aberdeen Street building, and takes training to a new level, providing students with hands on experience in underground mining.
"This is the first time that an event like this has been held in Perth and we look forward to making it a regular event on both the high school and resources industry calendar in the future," Ms Jones said.