Batchfire Scholarship Stars: Q&A with Olivia

We caught up with Olivia Mowat, another one of our 2023 Batchfire Scholarship recipients, to find out what she has learnt so far in her studies and time at the Callide Mine. 

Thanks for sitting down to chat with us about your journey, Olivia. How did you find out about the Batchfire Scholarship Program? 

I initially found out about the Batchfire Scholarship when my high school shared an advertising link that Batchfire had posted on their Facebook page. I then learnt of other students who had previously received the scholarship and heard great things, so I applied as soon as could! 

That’s great to hear, Olivia! You have just completed your first semester studying a Bachelor of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT); how has it been so far? 

My first year of university certainly went by quickly. I was kept busy throughout the year with making new friends, having a part time job, exploring a new city and most importantly, keeping up with my studies. I have enjoyed the change in lifestyle while studying what I am passionate about. 

It sounds like you have acclimatised well to university life! How does it feel having a scholarship to subsidise study costs and guaranteed holiday placement opportunities? 

It has been comforting in many ways that I am incredibly grateful for. Knowing that my studies are subsidised allows me to worry less about if I made the right decision of completing a university degree!  

Along with this, having guaranteed holiday placement saves me from stressing about finding work experience, when it can be quite overwhelming in the city. It also confirms what I want to pursue in the future. 

What have you learnt so far, between your time at university and on-site at Batchfire’s Callide Mine? 

So far at university I have learnt the fundamentals of engineering including necessary maths and physics relating to all fields. I have also completed a couple of courses relating to civil engineering, allowing me to understand the theory behind how things are designed and completed.  

This helps with my vacation placement at Batchfire where I can apply the theory in practice and get real-world experiences. 

It sounds like you’re learning a lot of valuable theory you can apply here at the Callide Mine. Are you set on a career in Resources? 

During this time in the resources industry, I have learnt so much about job diversity and the positive impact it has on the community. This is something that really interests me and that I would like to be a part of in the future. 

Fantastic! What advice would you give to other school students looking at a Batchfire Scholarship? 

I’d recommend to all school-leavers who are considering studying to apply – there are so many pathways into the Resource industry that you may not be aware of. It has definitely helped me with the decision to pursue a university degree. 

Lastly, what is your best memory on-site at Callide so far? 

It’s hard to choose just one memory, but if I had to it would be going out into the Dragline. I was able to have a tour around and it was just unbelievable – the size and capacity of the machine. I really enjoyed watching the Dragline in action and walking to a different location. 

It was great chatting, Olivia. We are glad to hear you have enjoyed your time at the Callide Mine! 

Batchfire’s 2023 Scholarship Program welcomed six talented young students who are now part-way through their studies at university.  

Each student is given $5,000 per year for university-related costs, as well guaranteed vacation work opportunities.  

If you live in the Callide Valley and are looking at undertaking tertiary education, keep an eye out for the next Batchfire Scholarship Program. 

To find out more about Batchfire you can connect with us on LinkedIn or contact us here.