The WA Mining Club recently took a group of Perth-based educators behind the scenes at Newmont’s Boddington gold mine as part of its Get into Mining initiative, an immersive experience designed to connect teachers with real-world mining operations and career pathways for students.
Led by the Club’s Vice President Barry Upton, who heads the Education Engagement portfolio, the day aimed to better equip teachers with the knowledge they need to guide the next generation toward a future in resources. “We know Year 9 is a crucial time when students start thinking about careers,” said Barry. “By giving teachers direct access to industry insights, we’re helping bridge the gap between the classroom and the sector.”
During the site visit, the group met Newmont professionals from a range of disciplines, metallurgy, geology, safety, and more—who shared their career journeys and the opportunities that helped them get started.
Newmont’s Emma Van Rijn, now a metallurgist, spoke about her pathway from vacation work and scholarships to full-time employment, while veteran geologist Graham Reynolds reflected on discovering the Boddington deposit in the 1980s and the importance of mentoring the next generation.
Teachers left the experience with a broader understanding of the diverse roles available in mining and how they can better guide students toward in-demand careers. As one career coordinator put it, “This trip gave me real insight into the variety of jobs available, and the confidence to talk to students about what’s actually out there.”
The Get into Mining program forms part of the WA Mining Club’s long-term strategy to promote the industry through direct school engagement, scholarships, and practical experiences that inspire students, and their teachers.
