Students learn about coal mine operation
28 June 2024
Tahmoor Coking Coal apprentices recently visited a local primary school to talk to the students about coal mining and answer their questions about the SIMEC Mining Tahmoor operation.
Hayden Drapalski, apprentice Fitter, and Lachlan Jameson, apprentice Electrician, spent their morning at Thirlmere Public School dressed for work and chatting with students. The Tahmoor apprentices presented to years 5 and 6 students on how coal is made, where it is found, how Tahmoor underground staff stay safe at work and what makes Tahmoor unique in the mining industry.
I’ve never been on a podcast before so that was a new experience, but the kids asked good questions and it was nice getting to talk about the industry to a new generation
Lachlan Jameson
The experience gave the students an opportunity to learn about their local area and the coal mining industry as part of their Mining in Australia school curriculum, and gave the apprentices the opportunity to connect with the next generation of the community they work in.
“I live in Goulburn, so the chance to reach out to the local community where I work is pretty special,” Hayden said.
“It was good seeing the students get so involved in it too.”
The students had the chance to ask questions at the end of the presentation which ranged from, ‘How much coal do we remove from the ground each day?’ to ’Where and how do you go to the toilet?’.
The apprentices impressed as they handled every question asked while keeping the students engaged. The visit to the school also included Hayden and Lachlan being guests on the school’s podcast hosted by two students.
“I’ve never been on a podcast before so that was a new experience, but the kids asked good questions and it was nice getting to talk about the industry to a new generation,” Lachlan said.
Tahmoor Coking Coal has been invited back for the students to present to us what they’ve learnt and answer more questions about working at Tahmoor.
Main picture: Apprentices Lachlan Jameson and Hayden Drapalski with Tahmoor Community Liaison Specialist Amanda Batement during the recording of the podcast. Above: Lachlan and Hayden talk to students.
Read more about Tahmoor’s community involvement
