Glencore’s generous donations help train CQU Emerald’s apprentices

By Greg Chapman

Ongoing donations of equipment from Glencore's Hail Creek Open Cut coal operation are ensuring CQUniversity Emerald’s trade apprentices are acquiring relevant, work-ready skills.

In the last 12 months alone, Hail Creek Open Cut has donated four diesel engines to CQU Emerald, thanks to the ongoing partnership between the mining company and CQU Metal Fabrication Teacher, Andrew Abbas.

“The students and teachers are the major benefactors. These donated engines are industry current, safe for students to train on and are very versatile in terms of their capability for teaching and learning,” Mr Abbas said.

Items donated by Glencore include:

3 x CA18 Caterpillar engines

1 x CA15 Caterpillar engine

Mr Abbas said the engines are constantly in-use by the students.

“The Caterpillar engines are extremely good for engine diagnostics, allowing faults to be incorporated, resulting in troubleshooting activities being performed by the students,” he said.

“These engines are very good for training on fuel systems, CATSIS, electronic diagnostics, engine rebuild, starting and charging systems, to name a few.

“As a Secondary / VET Teacher, I am extremely satisfied with the efforts of Hail Creek Open Cut to donate these engines for the express use of the students who train in the qualifications that these donations purpose. 

“Glencore and CQU TAFE have been in partnership since 2005, and that partnership has been without a doubt, a flagship allegiance.”

Hail Creek Maintenance Superintendent, Dan Ryan, said the donations highlight Glencore’s dedication to supporting local education initiatives and nurturing future talent.

“At Glencore, we are committed to delivering lasting social and economic benefits in the communities in which we operate,” Dan said.

“We are proud to support CQUniversity and its students through donations that help develop real-world skills, ensuring they are ready to thrive in the industry.”