Aspiring engineers dig out mining careers in Camborne
9:40am Saturday 28th July 2012 in News
Aspiring young engineers from across the UK were getting to grips with geology at the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) recently.
The group of 30 youngsters, aged 15-17, spent four days at the school, run by the University of Exeter learning about mining and minerals through a jam-packed timetable of activites.
Specifically designed to help engineering and design and technology students reach a higher attainment target of the National Curriculum, the residential programme was designed through a partnership between The Smallpeice Trust and the University of Exeter.
The course provided pupils with the opportunity to learn how the fortunes of mining underpin so much of modern life and how the latest technology is used to limit the impact of mining activity on the environment.
Students discovered more about minerals and their properties and what will happen when natural resources are depleted.
The course also included spending the day at CSM’s own test mine, visits to local quarries, and a trip to the Eden Project’s educational centre.
Dr Patrick Foster of the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines said: “As one of the world’s leading mining schools with an international reputation for first-class teaching and research, we have a responsibility to share our mining and minerals expertise with young people.
“CSM graduates are in high demand and are extremely well-placed to enjoy an exciting and lucrative career with the opportunity to work all over the world.
“This event was a great way of making young people aware of the opportunities that a degree in mining engineering or geology could provide.
“It has been fantastic to work with The Smallpeice Trust to share our enthusiasm for this exciting and important science with such an engaged bunch of students.”
The Mining and Minerals course is run by the independent educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, as part of an ongoing programme of subsidised residential courses to help young people aged 13 to 18 learn and develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. The trust has worked with 18,175 students across the UK in the past year.
For more information visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk , or call 01926 333200.
