GM3’s Dendrobium Mine is welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from the Clontarf Academy for a hands-on careers experience 200 metres underground.
Held during National Reconciliation Week, the site visit is part of an ongoing partnership between GM3 and the Clontarf Foundation. The partnership, now in its fourth year, is centred around creating meaningful education and employment pathways for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in the Illawarra.
Year 11 and 12 students from Lake Illawarra High School and Kanahooka High School took part in a half-day onsite experience, gaining insight into underground mining operations and career opportunities.
Simon Thomas, General Manager of GM3’s Dendrobium Mine, said providing young people with real-world experience can empower students to pursue career opportunities.
“This experience gives these students the chance to see themselves represented in the workforce. We want them to leave with a stronger sense of what’s possible in their career, and to feel empowered to become part of the next generation of miners.”
“It is our hope that experiences like this help break down barriers for young Indigenous students and give them confidence for their future.”
Clontarf Partnership Manager Dane Parnaby said experiences like the GM3 Dendrobium Mine visit plays an important role in helping students visualise future career pathways.
“Programs like this provide our young men with real-world exposure to industries and workplaces while building confidence and aspirations for the future,” Mr Parnaby said.
“Our relationships with companies like GM3 help create valuable opportunities for our students to get real insight from employers and industry professionals.”
The site visit concluded with a Q&A session with site personnel, networking opportunities with industry representatives, as well as a presentation about upcoming traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities from GM3’s employment partner Zeal Futures.
