• Click here to read the QMEA’s 2025 Key Outcomes.

I learnt there are lots of different careers in the mining industry and how it is moving towards a more sustainable future.”

– Year 10 student, QMEA Tradies for a Day workshop, Kirwan State High School.

The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) has rocked another year of connecting Queensland students with future careers in the resources sector.

Now in its 20^th year, the QMEA continues to expand its reach to Queensland students and deliver new initiatives to encourage students about studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and the trades.

As the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) the QMEA has a unique link with the resources and energy sectors, with QRC mining and exploration members supporting workshops to provide real world case studies.

QRC Policy Director, Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said the relationship between the academy and industry was key to the QMEA’s success.

“The QMEA is an industry-education initiative making an impact,” said Ms Jones.

“More than 22 per cent of students from QMEA schools will follow a STEM study pathway after school, compared to 18 per cent from other schools,” she said.

“Our school graduates are also entering trade apprenticeship in the resources sector at more than double the rate of students from non-QMEA schools.” (8% vs 3%)

“This shows that our approach of partnering with local industries to facilitate school and camp programs that complement the curriculum is making a big impression on the students and inspiring them to create their own rewarding careers in the industry.”

In 2025 the QMEA delivered more than 260 workshops to its network of 100 Queensland schools, engaging over 7000 primary and secondary students.

Over 280 industry experts helped the academy with delivering the trade and STEM workshops in regional and south-east Queensland schools.

“The involvement of industry experts at our workshops makes a big difference to the students, as they can answer their questions about the resources industry and share their career experiences,” said Ms Jones.

Next year the QMEA will introduce new initiatives including:

• a partnership with Mining Skills Australia (MSA) introducing digital and virtual reality content into QMEA programs;
• an AI micro-credential for female students to undertake as part of the GIRLS mentoring program; and
• a Sustainability and Decarbonisation workshop to be delivered in schools.

For more information about the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) visit: qmea.org.au