An insight into mining careers

STUDENTS from St Augustine’s College Kyabram and Creek St Christian College Bendigo visited Costerfield Mine this week to learn about mining careers and see an operating mining site.

Schools from Bendigo, Rushworth and Seymour have taken part in the program in the past.

“It is one of the biggest industry career awareness programs I am aware of in the state,” said James Sorahan, executive director MCA Victoria.

“Three mines take part, and we have taken over 1000 students from more than 30 schools to Victoria’s mines from Heathcote to Ballarat and Stawell.

“MCA Victoria’s mining career field trips take students in regional schools to Victoria’s mines to learn about the range of jobs in mining and the pathways to them.

“Costerfield Mine hosted the visit with the MCA to help regional schools learn about regional jobs and encourage pathways in science and trades which is what mining is all about.

“It is really important to generate curiosity in mining jobs in school because it is really challenging for most students to know the roles out there and what they might want to do after school.

“Students hear from engineers, geologists, metallurgists, diesel mechanics, electricians and more.

“They are always surprised by how many different jobs there are and the machinery and science that goes into mining.

“Regional industries need to support teachers and students to guide locals into pathways into their industries and this school program helps to that in a small way.”

The students watched a visual presentation from former St Augustine’s student, Stevie Child, who did work experience at Costerfield Mine.

“I am now working at Costerfield and studying engineering at Federation University,” she said.

“In high school I studied maths, science, physics, chemistry and psychology and I still find the lessons I learnt there useful in my university studies.

“I am thoroughly enjoying it.”

Creek St Christian College student, Micah, was very interested in the use of technology at the mine.

“The field trip was very informative,” he said. “I was really interested in the use of drones in exploration and mapping.”

Kaitlyn and Lily, from St Augustine’s College, said that while they were not planning careers in mining, they found the visit very interesting.

“I had no idea how the mine operated and how the gold and antimony was extracted,” Kaitlyn said.

Lily said she would like to work as a student support worker and the information will be useful to pass on to her students.

“I want to study to be a primary school teacher and I am sure the things I learnt today will be useful when teaching,” she said.

“There is a lot more to the mining industry than I imagined.”