Camp guides career

She took part in the Curtin Western Australian School of Mines Focus on Mining camp.

This camp aimed to motivate young people to pursue careers in the mining sector.

They spent the week travelling the South-West getting to know each other and about the mining sector.

The camp had hands-on workshops, tours of operational mine sites, and a networking evening, which was an opportunity to meet lecturers, students and mining industry leaders.

Ms Parmenter was one of 27 science and mathematics students from across WA who attended the camp.

Curtin science outreach manager Emma Donnelly said the camp often re- affirmed the students' desire to study science or engineering, with many students reporting the camp influenced their study and career plans.

"Students are exposed to career opportunities they wouldn't have previously considered and often find out what they like and dislike about mining, before starting university," she said.

"We find the camp encourages students to take control of their future careers and almost 50 per cent of the participants take up a degree in mining when they start university."

Funded by Curtin, the camp is supported through partnerships with AusIMM, Independence Group, Tronox and BHP Billiton Exploration. It was the first year regional scholarships were awarded, with Talison Lithium supporting two Margaret River Senior High School students to attend.