MNSEC go mining at BHP

September 16th saw over 30 students from Gladstone High School, Orroroo Area School, Mid North Christian College and Quorn Area School attend Gateway’s annual road trip to Olympic Dam.  For most of the students, it was their maiden voyage to Roxby Downs.  The bus chucked a mainy and a quick look around the town was followed by some well earned lunch. 

While at BHP Billiton, presentations included an overview of the proposed

mine expansion and guided tour by Public Affairs Officer, Deb Ainslie and an explaination of radiation and safety procedures on site.  Students and Gateways own Marc Swensson dressed up in the compulsory safety uniform (aka disco pants) making for some memorable dance moves and catwalk poses.  After some Q&A time, it was back on the road for the trip home.  Gateways also supplied Subway sandwiches for lunch, snacks, drinks and movies for the bus ride – and the students provided some cheeky sing-a-longs and great conversation.  Capped off with Hungry Jack’s for tea, the trip was long and fun with never a dull moment!

Jamestown Mock Interviews

During Term 3, Gateways Project Officer, Marc Swensson assisted Year 10 students at Jamestown Community School prepare for life in the work force.  One lesson saw the students divide into groups of three and perform mock interviews to the rest of the class.  In these groups, one person played the part of the interviewer, while the other students played the part of interviewees (one displaying a poor attitude and the other performing positively).  Over the following weeks, Marc facilitated and assited to perform formal mock interviews with all students.  Students were expected to be punctual and dress appropriately – treating the interview as if it was for a real job.

Work Experience Preparation @ Samaritan College

For year 10 students at Samaritan College in Whyalla, Week 10 is WORK EXPERIENCE WEEK!!

Fast approaching their first opportunity to undertake work experience in an industry setting likely to be their intended career path, it was identified that preparation would be advantageous.

Students were given information around industry expectations, punctuality, presentation, communication, body language and mannerisms to assist them during their placements. There was also a strong influence on personal preparation including researching their chosen workplace prior to commencement.

The highlight of the session was certainly the Occupational Health and Safety presentation by OHS Inspector, Gavin Lehmann from SafeWork SA. Inspector Lehmann informed the students of potential hazards in the workplace, relevant Personal Protective Equipment that may be required and how to undertake risk assessments during their placements.

Good luck to all Samaritan Year 10 students undertaking work experience in Week 10 and don’t forget…. SAFETY FIRST!

Olympic-sized Fun @ BHP Billiton

On September 2nd, over 40 students from John Pirie Secondary School and Australian Technical College took part in Gateway’s annual road trip to Olympic Dam.  It was the first time many of the students had been to Roxby Downs, so after a tour of the town and some lunch, it was off to Olympic Dam.  The excursion included an overview of the proposed mine expansion and guided tour of Olympic Dam by BHP Billiton Public Affairs Officer, Deb Ainslie; CEG’s Darren Lowe spoke about employment opportunities; plus an explaination of radiation and safety procedures on site.  Students were given the opportunity to ask any questions they had about mining and related industries and everyone got a good laugh (and photo opportunity) when we could dress up in the compulsory safety gear & uniform (including the affectionately titled “Disco Pants”).  Gateways also supplied Subway sandwiches for lunch, snacks, drinks and movies for the bus ride – keeping everyone entertained and fresh as a daisy.  Complete with a trip to Bree Park’s bird sanctuary in Woomera and Hungry Jack’s for tea, the trip was long, but informative and enjoyed by all.