First Clontarf camp delivers real mining experience at Lake Vermont

The Thiess Future Talent team delivered its first Clontarf camp at Lake Vermont coal mine, hosting 17 students and two academy staff from the Mackay Clontarf Academy.

The camp built on the Mackay Thiess industry experience day and gave students a firsthand look at both the operational and lifestyle aspects of mining. By staying on site, students experienced camp accommodation, the mess and crib facilities, and daily life on a mining operation.

Students rotated through key areas including Production, Maintenance, Autonomy, Drill and Blast, CHPP and Management. They toured active mining areas, explored apprentice pathways in boilermaking, diesel fitting, high-voltage electrical and light vehicle mechanical trades, visited the autonomy control room, and climbed the wash plant. This provided exposure to the full mining value chain.

For many students, a trade career is already a clear aspiration. Experiences like this help connect earlier learning to real-world application while building familiarity with our sites, our people and our culture. These early connections support informed career decisions and position Thiess as an employer of choice for future apprenticeship opportunities.

Thank you to the Lake Vermont team for their strong support and commitment to delivering the camp. The experience generated strong interest among students, with the Clontarf Foundation and the school already looking forward to future opportunities.