SCIENCE Faculty Report

Students from Kogarah High School were given an opportunity in November to visit the Blue Scope Steel factory in Port Kembla. Port Kembla Steelworks, located south of Wollongong in New South Wales, is one of Australia’s largest and most historically significant industrial sites, long serving as a cornerstone of the nation’s steel production. The steelworks has shaped the region’s economy and identity for decades, providing thousands of jobs and supporting a wide range of local industries.

The students were treated to a sensory-rich experience: the scale of the site is immense, with towering blast furnaces, sprawling conveyor systems, and the constant movement of machinery creating an almost city-within-a-city feel. Bright flashes from molten steel pours while glowing slabs on the mill lines create dramatic visuals that highlight the intensity of the work taking place.

Students were told how the steelworks provides a wide range of job opportunities across both trade-based and professional fields, reflecting the scale and complexity of steel production. Common roles include electricians, fitters, boiler makers, welders, and other mechanical and electrical trades essential for maintaining heavy machinery. There are also opportunities for process operators who run the blast furnaces, coke ovens, and rolling mills. Engineering positions—such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, and materials engineers—support production, safety, and efficiency improvements. The site also employs specialists in environmental management, quality control, logistics, laboratory testing, and IT.