RAG Australia Coal and DBT Australia are giving a Central Queensland University engineering student first hand insight into Germany’s coal mining industry as part of the company’s inaugural International Coal Mining Exchange Scholarship.

The scholarship was awarded to Tim Heron, a Sarina resident and student at CQU Rockhampton, at a formal presentation at DBT’s Customer Service Centre in Mackay and the coal mining industry during the Mining Summit at the Gold Coast last month.

“I am very exciting to receive the scholarship ... it’s a unique opportunity,” Tim said.

In an Australia first, Tim will gain six months industry experience working at RAG Australia Coal and DBT Australia facilities in Germany and studying at the prestigious Aachen University of Technology.

Taking the advice given by his father to “grab a hold of the opportunity with both hands”, Tim intends to bring back to the Bowen Basin the most up-to-date concepts in coal mining.

He said Germany is renowned for their expertise in coal mining and he hopes to learn from the best.

Tim said the scholarship would make him more employable when he turns to Australia.

“The scholarship will provide me with unique work experience, broaden my career opportunities and will definitely encourage other Mackay students to consider a career in the coal mining industry, “ he said.

Managing Director of RAG Australia Coal, Darian Hielscher, said the scholarship was a significant investment by RAG Australia Coal and DBT Australia in conjunction with the Queensland Government to foster the skills of students in the Mackay region preparing for careers in mining.