Students tackle heavy hydraulics at QMEA workshop

Local students from Redeemer Lutheran College were given a unique look at where a career at Batchfire Resources could take them, as they traded textbooks for hands-on activities. 

Students from Years 7, 8 and 9 discovered more about the practical application of physics in a Heavy Hydraulics workshop, while Year 10 students became Tradies for a Day, completing a series of practical trade-based activities. 

Both workshops were delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), alongside Batchfire Resources. 

While the workshops each had a different focus, they shared the common goal of applying concepts learnt at school to real-world mining activities with supervision from industry professionals. 

Batchfire Resources CEO, Allan Fidock says the company is proud to support yet another QMEA workshop after a successful STEM Unearthed workshop last term. 

“Education is the backbone of a rewarding career in resources, and at Batchfire we are keen to help local schools deliver workshops that stimulate the students’ interest in STEM and vocational studies,” said Mr Fidock.   

“We hope many of these students remember this day and apply for future apprenticeship or graduate programs at Callide Mine!”  

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones, says the aim of the events is to stimulate the students’ interest and open their minds to the potential career paths they could embark on within the resources industry.  

“In the Heavy Hydraulics workshop the students were challenged to design an extension to a model hydraulic arm, with the criteria that it needs to be able to either lift, move or dig an object – similar to an excavator,” said Ms Jones. 

“They worked in groups to create the design and implement it on their hydraulic arms, giving them an idea of the physics behind mining machines and the various attachments required to perform different actions on site.” 

The Year 10 students were also excited to participate in the popular Tradies for a Day workshop, where they learnt more about the various trade careers available at mines like Callide. 

“They rotated through a series of different trades-based activities under the guidance of our VET project officer and experienced tradespeople from Batchfire, who also were able to share their career experiences.” 

The QMEA workshops are a huge hit with local students, many of whom will go on to pursue a career in resources, and we can’t wait to continue supporting this fantastic initiative.  

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