Year 11 and 12 students will gain first-hand experience in geosciences and mining, during the Curtin Western Australian School of Mines’ Focus on Mining camp which aims to motivate young people to pursue careers in the mining sector.
Twenty seven science and mathematics students from across Western Australia will be introduced to mining and learn the important role maths and sciences plays in the industry.
To achieve this, the 11 girls and 16 boys will spend the week travelling across the state’s south west getting to know each other and more about the mining sector.
The camp includes hands-on workshops, tours of operational mine sites, and two networking evenings which provide an opportunity to meet lecturers, students and mining industry leaders.
Curtin Science Outreach Manager, Emma Donnelly said the camp often re-affirmed the students’ desire to study science or engineering, with many students reporting the camp influences their study and career plans.
“Students are exposed to career opportunities they wouldn’t have previously considered and often find out what they like and dislike about mining, before starting university,” Ms Donnelly said.
“We find the camp encourages students to take control of their future careers and almost 50 per cent of the participants take up a degree in mining when they start university.”
Funded by Curtin, the camp is supported through partnerships with AusIMM, Independence Group, Tronox and BHP Billiton Exploration. 2015 also marks the first year regional scholarships have been awarded, with Talison Lithium supporting two students from Margaret River Senior High School to attend.
The annual Focus on Mining Camp will be held from July 13 to 17.
