Inspiring Students to Explore Careers in STEM and Mining

Year 8 students from Joseph Banks Secondary College in Perth, recently visited Wyloo’s Northern Operations in Kambalda. The visit was a hands-on learning experience designed to provide insights into the mining industry and the many career pathways it offers.

Held in early September, the visit was delivered in partnership with the CoRE Learning Foundation and gave students the opportunity to learn more about the mining sector, the importance of health and safety, and the skills required to work in the industry.

Throughout the day, students participated in an interactive site induction, tried on personal protective equipment (PPE), and toured the site. As a result, they gained a firsthand understanding of what it takes to safely work in mining and what careers are available.

Discovering STEM and Mining Career Pathways

Jeremy Crouch, Science Teacher at Joseph Banks Secondary College, said the experience provided students with valuable exposure to an industry that plays a significant role in Western Australia.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Wyloo and the CoRE Learning Foundation for providing our students with such a valuable opportunity to experience and learn about the mining industry. Programs like this give students insight into an industry that plays such an important role in Western Australia and allow them to see the many career pathways available to them. I only wish opportunities like this had been available to me when I was at school!”

Encouraging the Next Generation of Mining Professionals

At Wyloo, we are passionate about sharing our enthusiasm for mining with the next generation. Visits like these provide an opportunity to showcase the diverse and rewarding careers available in the industry while also giving us the chance to learn from students through their fresh ideas, perspectives, and thoughtful questions.

Wyloo’s General Manager, Northern Operations, Ron Ellis, said engaging directly with students was an important way to help inspire the next generation.

“The Joseph Banks Secondary College tour demonstrated the positive impact that direct industry engagement can have on students, with hands-on, interactive experiences helping to build awareness of future career opportunities. Wyloo is committed to working with the CoRE Learning Foundation to help encourage students to consider STEM and mining careers. We had a great time hosting an amazing group of students!”

Thank you to the students and teachers from Joseph Banks Secondary College for visiting our Northern Operations in Kambalda. We look forward to continuing to support the CoRE Learning Foundation to inspire students to passionately pursue STEM and mining career pathways.

Students on a site visit

Student visit CoRE to education

On Wednesday 30 August Wyloo, in partnership with The Centre of Resources Excellence (CoRE), welcomed students and teachers from Joseph Banks Secondary College to our Northern Operations in Kambalda, Western Australia.

Wyloo proudly sponsors CoRE, helping to transform STEM education in Western Australian schools through immersive field trips. CoRE offers an innovative educational approach with a primary focus on preparing students for meaningful careers in the resources industry. 

Zoran Seat, Asset President, said he was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day.

“CoRE’s immersive field trip program aligns closely with Wyloo’s commitment to building strong local partnerships, supporting STEM education, and fostering a sustainable future,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see the next generation of miners, technicians, and engineers experiencing site for the first time and not just in theory, but in real life. Together, we’re helping to grow a skilled workforce and contribute to a thriving Western Australia.”

During the visit students were given the chance to step beyond the classroom and into real operational environments, building awareness of future career opportunities and developing valuable skills.

Suzy Urbaniak, CoRE’s founder, who attended the trip, said that site visits sparked interest in STEM careers.

“Our visit to Wyloo’s Northern Operations at Kambalda brought the real classroom to life,” Suzy shared. “Students experienced an authentic day in the underground mining world.”

To give students a real sense of what working in mining looks like, the Wyloo team designed a day that reflected the dynamic nature of site operations, from field exploration through to emergency response and underground infrastructure.

Students completed a safety share and toured the broader Kambalda region by bus, where they visited key operational and historical landmarks, gaining insight into the scale of the local mining landscape and its connection to the broader resources sector. Back on-site students completed a series of hands-on sessions, led by Wyloo team members, across a range of disciplines. From geology and exploration to shaft infrastructure, mine safety and emergency procedures, students experienced the diversity of roles required to keep a site running smoothly.

The day offered more than just a tour, it provided an authentic look at how varied, challenging and rewarding a career in mining can be. Team members didn’t just explain their roles, they brought them to life, sharing first-hand stories, answering questions and demonstrating the collaboration and coordination that drives success on site.

“The Wyloo team went above and beyond, sharing their passion, expertise and career insights with CoRE’s students and their educators. This is exactly what the CoRE Learning Model was designed for — to bridge education with real industry, inspiring future pathways through immersive, meaningful learning,” said Suzy.

A sincere thank you to all the students, teachers and team members who made this day such a success.