Year 11 Boarders Explore Mining Careers in the Pilbara
Nine lucky Year 11 boarders recently swapped their school uniforms for high-vis vests as they travelled to Fortescue’s Solomon Mine for a day of immersive career exploration. Accompanied by Director of Boarding, Jane Murray, the girls were treated to a unique glimpse into life on a mine site and the diverse opportunities it holds for their future.
This trip is part of Santa Maria’s ongoing partnership with Fortescue, aimed at opening doors for young women in industries where they have been historically underrepresented. It was a day of steel-capped boots, safety goggles, and eye-opening conversations.
A Day on Site
From the moment they arrived, the students were immersed in the world of mining.
Their day included:
- A tour of the mobile maintenance workshop
- A pit viewing to see mining operations in action
- Walking through the workers’ village and facilities
- Chatting with geologists, managers, mechanics and automation experts
Beyond the heavy machinery and scale of operations, what stood out most were the people. Passionate professionals who took the time to share insights, answer questions and show that working in mining is about far more than rocks and trucks.
Jane, Director of Boarding, summed it up perfectly:
“Santa Maria’s partnership with Fortescue inspires young women to consider a career in mining, offering time to see and hear from those in the industry working from the field. This was an invaluable experience for our students, and we are grateful for the opportunity.”
Student Perspectives
Each student walked away with a fresh perspective. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
Anais
“The workshop tour was really engaging, having the opportunity to tour through each of the different machines and see their purpose in the mine was eye-opening. The FIFO workers were passionate about fixing and servicing machines, and asking about their experiences gave us new perspective of their life and job.”
Pippa
“The trip to Fortescue’s Solomon Mines was an incredible experience. I noticed how their core values were deeply integrated into safety, staff interaction, and the overall work environment. The value of family stuck out to me, I noticed its dual focus which both supports the families that the workers leave behind and fosters a communal family on site. As a boarder, I instantly connected with this and the need to stay close to family… I was fortunate to see the same systems.”
Casey
“I loved how we explored not only the jobs available which focus on the mining industry but also the other careers which are just as important and do not associate with mining. We saw the onsite barber, the gym and the personal trainer, the medics and the cooks, so many people to make the village function.”
Learning that Lasts
This excursion is a perfect example of Santa Maria’s approach to education, connecting learning to life. It encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and career exploration in an authentic setting. Our boarders demonstrated confidence and adaptability, thriving in an unfamiliar environment and seeing firsthand what working in a remote professional community involves.
They also gained insight into values-based workplaces, ones where people, safety and wellbeing are at the heart of the culture. It was powerful to see how closely this aligns with the supportive environment they experience in boarding, where a strong sense of family and belonging is central.
This opportunity not only broadened career horizons, it also reinforced that wherever our students go, their Mercy values, sense of community, and leadership skills will go with them. We are so proud of these young women for embracing every moment of this experience.
- BoardingSchoolLife, CareerEducation, Featured, FemaleEmpowerment, FortescuePartnership, FuturePathways, IndustryImmersion, MiningCareers, SantaMariaCollege, StudentExcursions, WomeninSTEM
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
