Lucy Howe's journey from high school to her current pursuit of an Honours project with IGO Ltd exemplifies the transformative impact the CoRE Learning Model has on students aspiring for careers in the resources industry. Her experience highlights the invaluable link between education and industry, and how CoRE is equipping students with practical skills and knowledge that directly apply to their future careers.
Bridging Theory with Real-World Applications
Lucy recalls transitioning from studying physics to joining CoRE at Kent Street Senior High School as a pivotal moment in her educational journey. She emphasises the program's unique approach to teaching, which helped her to comprehend complex concepts by connecting them to real-world scenarios and often linking them to careers in the resources industry:
"Unlike physics, everything in CoRE made sense; through investigations made with pancake batter and play-dough, you were able to mimic hydrothermal activity and komatiitic lava flows."
Lucy's experience underscores the significance of hands-on learning and field trips in CoRE, where students explore various facets of the mining industry. Through practical experiences, they can gain insight into diverse career pathways available in the industry.
A Pathway to Professional Development
Lucy's decision to pursue a career in geology stemmed from her exposure to geoscience learning experiences during her time studying on the CoRE Learning Model. The program not only sparked her interest in the field but also provided her with a solid foundation that facilitated her academic journey:
"I am very lucky to have glided through the first two years of my degree without putting in much effort. This is primarily due to the fact I was exposed to the principles of geology and the mining industry via the CoRE program, which placed me in an incredibly valuable position as opposed to my peers."
"CoRE's emphasis on practical learning and industry relevance positioned Lucy ahead in her academic pursuits and paved the way for her professional development."
Acknowledging CoRE's Impact
Lucy's engagement with IGO Ltd during her studies reflects the downstream impact of CoRE's collaboration with industry sponsors. By participating in vacation work and now undertaking an Honours project with IGO Ltd, Lucy demonstrates the tangible outcomes of CoRE's efforts in nurturing future talents for the mineral resources industry:
"I chose to apply for vacation work with IGO Ltd for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is that they sponsor the CoRE Learning Foundation. I was so grateful for the education I gained from Suzy Urbaniak and CoRE that I think it was important to stress to IGO that I am a product of their funding and how important CoRE is to up-and-coming students in the mineral resources industry."
Lucy's journey stands as a testament to the enduring impact of CoRE in shaping the next generation of professionals and the power of partnerships between education and industry, equipping students with the 21st-century skills needed to address the challenges and opportunities in the resources sector and beyond. As CoRE continues its mission of future-proofing the workforce, Lucy is an inspiring example of the transformative potential.