Last week, Rhys Thurstun, from Redeemer Lutheran College in Rochedale, Queensland, and Mufaro Tom, from Muswellbrook High School in NSW’s Hunter Valley, were awarded Australian Resources Industry Skills and Education (ARISE) scholarships to support their engineering degrees, made possible through the support of BMA and NSW Energy Coal (NSWEC).

The ARISE initiative encourages secondary school students to pursue STEM-related careers in the resources sector through on-site camps and in-school activities, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation.

ARISE Manager of Skills and Education, Matthew Heskett said the scholarships are designed to help some of the best and brightest young Australians as they pursue careers in the resources sector.

“Both Rhys and Mufaro have gravitated towards engineering because of their love of STEM subjects, and because they’ve had exposure to the resources sector during their school years,” said Matthew.

“This includes Mt Arthur Coal hosting the inaugural NSW ARISE camp in December, which welcomed students from Queensland in an immersive mining problem-solving experience.”

BMA’s Head of Technical - Services, Shaun Hansen said engineering graduates are crucial to mining’s future.

“As the resources sector evolves through new challenges, we are proud to support dynamic young people like Rhys and Mufaro as they enter this exciting field,” said Shaun.

“The initiative provides students and teachers an immersive opportunity to experience resources sector operations, and a look into the many fantastic career options that are available for engineering graduates.”

Adam Lancey, Asset President NSWEC, says the ARISE partnership contributes to long term prosperity and resilience for thriving, empowered communities. 

“The ARISE partnership provides a positive contribution to society through mutual benefit, and this partnership is such a great example of that. These aspiring young leaders will be an asset to Australian mining,” said Adam. 

We all play a part in delivering social value at BHP.  It’s about pausing to consider how we can that we make a positive contribution to society through the work we do – to our people, partners, economies, the environment and local communities. Learn more about BHP’s Social Value goals here.