More than 200 high school students from across the region were treated to an insight into a career in the mining industry when Whitehaven, in partnership with NSW Minerals Council hosted a try-a-trade-day at Gunnedah’s PCYC earlier this month.
Whitehaven’s general manager community engagement, Darren Swain said, “The event provided a unique opportunity for students to find out more about different roles available within the mining industry”.
Regan Schell and Sienna Burr.
The day provided more than the ‘typical giveaways’ for the students, a vast range of machinery and technological equipment was on display for the students to get hands-on.
Attendees were also able to speak personally with staff and employers from businesses in the industry about their careers.
NSW Mining’s Sam Skinner was present on the day and highly commended event organiser, Whitehaven’s Courtney McIntosh for the success. “There is so much on display. It is allowing students and careers advisors a more in-depth look at what these jobs entail. We are hoping this day will encourage to keep employment local, by highlighting careers and opportunities that the students might not have thought of, or believe they may be good at”.
Some interactive experiences included mining training pits, VR headsets and welding simulators, Gunnedah St Mary’s student Isaac Wise was impressed with the realism of the experience.
“The interactive stuff is great. I have also loved having a close-up look at the crane,” Isaac said.
Whitehaven is also hoping to make this an inaugural event, Darren Swain saying, “[They] would like to thank all the schools and vendors that participated, and we are looking forward to a bigger and better try-a-trade-day next year”.
Ree Barrow, Courtney McIntosh, Sam Skinner (NSW Mining) and Curtis Riordan
