UGL’s Adam Sizmur has inspired the next generation of talent by presenting to students at Mackay North State School and Fitzgerald State School about his work.
Between the two schools, nearly 180 students in years 5 and 6 had the opportunity to hear about the different types of rail and mining equipment we maintain and repair.
It was not just the students who got something out of the presentation!
“It was very rewarding for me. It was great to share the knowledge I have acquired and the experiences I have had while working for UGL. Being able to see the young minds be in awe of the size and weights of the machinery we repair and the equipment we use to complete this work was exciting,” says Adam.
The presentation was a good opportunity to get young people to think about what careers they can pursue once they leave school.
But it was one piece of equipment that really caught the eye of students – which they described as a giant dishwasher used to clean parts.
Students also got to try their hand at using equipment. They worked in pairs or threes using snap circuits to create electrical circuits. These produce real-time outcomes when the circuit is correct, such as turning on a fan or having a speaker make a noise.
The exercise showed students that to succeed in their career, you need to be able to problem solve, follow instructions, and work as a team to achieve an end goal.
“We need to inspire the next generation to start thinking about what they might like to do once they leave school. Also, the gratitude from not only the students but the teachers and facilitators of the program gives you such a rewarding feeling that’s hard to not want to do it again,” says Adam.