We recently spoke to Gold Industry Group Gold Class Facilitator and Project Geologist at Gold Fields Maddy Booth about her passion for educating the next generation of gold industry workers.
Tell us about your position?
I work as a Project geologist at Agnew gold mine. My role is to work with other departments to maximise mining returns which essentially just means “tell everyone where the gold is”. I enjoy seeing the mining cycle in real time, being able to see how the decisions I make on a day-to-day basis impacts the mine site and our processes is really rewarding.
What inspired you to become a facilitator for our National Gold Education Program and what value do you see in industry professionals engaging with the education sector?
Its important to encourage more high-school graduates to consider STEM, especially young women. Mining is an exciting industry that is always improving and innovating, and STEM is crucial for that process. Being from South Australia I didn’t come from a mining background or know much about the industry so moving to WA to start a job in mining was a very scary concept. I love being able to answer questions from students about what working FIFO is really like and explaining how I use my science degree in my day to day working life.
What aspects of the mining and resources sector are you most passionate about sharing with students?
I’m a geologist, of course I want to talk about rocks. The exercise that is run for Year 8’s and 9’s looks at the very earliest stages of gold exploration. I add into my facilitation sessions the ‘what comes next’ and how those first steps of finding gold, that the students have been learning about during the session, can eventually turn into a gold bar.
How has your role as a facilitator contributed to your own professional development?
In my day to day, I sit in on meetings and talk to a lot of people from different departments and backgrounds. After standing in front of a class of Year 8’s first lesson of the day on a Monday morning, explaining my work to a manager is nothing!
I get excited about my job all over again when I see students who have no experience with mining or geology, also get excited when I show them a shiny rock. It really reminds me of why I became a geologist.
Have you gained any new skills or insights through volunteering in the program?
Not to age myself too much but I can see the changes in STEM and career education since I was in high school. When I was in school, I thought the only pathway forward was to go to university. I think students now get a lot more education on the variety of avenues available and what life could look like after high school. I wish there had been classes like this when I was in school!
How do students typically respond to the sessions you facilitate?
I find most students are engaged, especially when I start showing the shiny rocks. I run my sessions fairly informally so there’s good engagement back and forth with questions. Without the pressure of grading students can have a bit of fun and I’ve seen great ideas and critical thinking skills during the sessions.
What advice would you give to another employee who is thinking about getting involved?
Go in with an open attitude, the way that schools are run today could be very different to what you remember. Don’t expect to win over every student, but its worth it for the few who are really engaged with what you have to say. Have some videos of explosions up your sleeve in case there’s no questions at the end!
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