The transition from school to a career in the resources sector got a whole lot easier for four Queensland Year 12 school graduates from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Mount Isa.

The students received BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) scholarships following their involvement with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) during their secondary schooling.

Patrick Kennedy (St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Brisbane) and Lianna Woodsbey (Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa) have been awarded 2023 QMEA Ambassador scholarships.

Martine David (The Cathedral College, Rockhampton) and Lisa Hennessey (Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa) have both received Girls in Resources scholarships.

The scholarships are designed to help young people pursuing a career in resources by providing financial support ($5000) while studying or during their first year of an apprenticeship.

For Patrick winning the scholarship was a great way to complete his journey as a 2023 QMEA ambassador. Patrick is now studying a Computer Science degree and plans to pursue his interest in technological innovation in the resources and energy sector.

“The scholarship will help reduce my study costs and give me the freedom to participate in other activities, helping to broaden my understanding of the sector and technology skills,” said Patrick.

Girls in Resources scholarship recipient, Martine, completed the QMEA and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) GIRLS Mentoring Program in 2023, which partners Year 12 students with mentors in the resources industry.

Martine, who received the Leadership scholarship, said growing up in Moranbah with a father who worked in the mines for 43 years gave her a desire to pursue a career in mining.

“I’m interested in supporting the people who work in the resources and energy sector and will start studying for an associate degree in Occupational Health and Safety at Central Queensland University (CQU) this month,” said Martine.

BMA Hay Point Coal Terminal General Manager, Linda Murry, said the scholarship program was designed to promote STEM and vocational pathways in the resources sector.

“Diversity is the key to success for the resources industry and these scholarships help us to support talented young women and men who may well go on to become industry leaders,” she said.

“I congratulate Patrick, Martine, Lisa and Lianna on winning these scholarships and I look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes them – their futures certainly look bright.”