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Mitchell JakabMining Engineering
“The industry support that comes with the scholarship gives you a good chance to build connections” |
Mitchell Jakab knows exactly what he wants from a career: the chance to immerse himself in a fulfilling role that offers opportunities to work across the country as well as plenty of free time to develop his passion for martial arts.
And, in mining engineer, he has found that perfect balance.
Before enrolling in a Bachelor of Mining Engineering at The University of Adelaide, Jakab was already vaguely familiar with mines, having grown up hearing stories of the mining that once took place at his great grandfather’s farm. Today, the first-year student is learning the subject for himself: his studies so far have covered introductions to mining, engineering and infrastructure. “You don’t get really into the specifics of mining until third year, but I have been researching different mining terminology and how mines and the industry work in general,” he says.
“I find the FIFO lifestyle really appealing because it means when you’re rostered on it’s 12-hour days so all you do is work, and when you have time off your work is completely separate. I enjoy taekwondo so, after I finish my degree and when I get a job FIFO, I want to take up more martial arts.”
The opportunity to network was one of the reasons Jakab chose to apply for the Playford Trust scholarship. “The industry support that comes with it gives you a good chance to build connections,” he says. “At the Playford Trust presentation night there were representatives from mining companies. Andrew Cole, OZ Minerals CEO, was there and we all got to meet him.”
And the 18-year-old isn’t fazed by having industry eyes monitoring his progress. “It does put me under a bit more pressure but it also gives me more incentive to succeed,” he says.
And, in mining engineer, he has found that perfect balance.
Before enrolling in a Bachelor of Mining Engineering at The University of Adelaide, Jakab was already vaguely familiar with mines, having grown up hearing stories of the mining that once took place at his great grandfather’s farm. Today, the first-year student is learning the subject for himself: his studies so far have covered introductions to mining, engineering and infrastructure. “You don’t get really into the specifics of mining until third year, but I have been researching different mining terminology and how mines and the industry work in general,” he says.
“I find the FIFO lifestyle really appealing because it means when you’re rostered on it’s 12-hour days so all you do is work, and when you have time off your work is completely separate. I enjoy taekwondo so, after I finish my degree and when I get a job FIFO, I want to take up more martial arts.”
The opportunity to network was one of the reasons Jakab chose to apply for the Playford Trust scholarship. “The industry support that comes with it gives you a good chance to build connections,” he says. “At the Playford Trust presentation night there were representatives from mining companies. Andrew Cole, OZ Minerals CEO, was there and we all got to meet him.”
And the 18-year-old isn’t fazed by having industry eyes monitoring his progress. “It does put me under a bit more pressure but it also gives me more incentive to succeed,” he says.