Thiess hosts mining industry experience day for local Mackay students

The Thiess Mackay Training Hub was proud to develop and host another mining industry experience day for 30 young people from the Clontarf Foundation and the Kutta Mulla Gorinna School last week.

Over the course of two sessions, students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities designed to showcase the diverse roles within the industry. Rotating through each station, they had the opportunity to operate remote-controlled (autonomous) machinery in a sandpit, drive a haul truck simulator and separate coal particles in a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP). They also used surveying equipment to measure distances, interpreted technical plans to build a machine using a Meccano set and explored the Lake Vermont maintenance workshops through a virtual tour. Adding an element of excitement, students created chemical reactions with coca cola and mentos to simulate explosions and viewed dynamic blast videos that brought the energy of pit explosions vividly to life.

These activities broadened students’ understanding of career opportunities within the industry, extending beyond the commonly perceived roles of truck driving and maintenance. The experience aimed to inspire interest in a wider range of fields, including autonomy, surveying, drill & blast, CHPP, maintenance and production, encouraging students to consider these dynamic and evolving areas as future career pathways.

Each activity was proudly delivered by our leadership team from across numerous sites, with Indigenous leaders playing a central role in the day. Thiess is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Clontarf Foundation and to continue working closely with other Indigenous and youth organisations locally.

The second phase of this exciting project is a pivotal step in deepening students’ understanding of the industry. Senior Clontarf students who participated in last year’s industry experience day will now have the unique opportunity to visit the Lake Vermont mine site. This visit will bring to life the concepts and roles they explored at the Training Hub, allowing them to see real-world applications in action. By connecting their hands-on learning to actual operations, this experience will reinforce their knowledge, spark further curiosity and provide valuable insight into the day-to-day workings of a mine site, further bridging the gap between education and industry.

By developing and supporting career pathways for Indigenous young people, we’re able to contribute to meaningful and lasting impacts in our local communities.