Click here for images of recent QMEA workshops in hub schools:

• Heavy Hydraulics at Holy Spirit College – Mackay
• Junior Geology and Heavy Hydraulics – Moranbah East State School
• Robotics – Beaconsfield State School

Click here for video clips of workshops in new Mackay hub schools.

The expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with a regional hub for schools in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsundays region has enabled a further seven schools to join the QMEA network.

Students at QMEA schools have access to a unique series of workshops, camps and leadership programs linking their curriculum studies with the resources industry.

The QMEA is the highly successful education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Janette Hewson, CEO – Queensland Resources Council said the QMEA regional hub benefitted local industries and schools.

“Our aim is to engage more students with the resources sector through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workshops,” said Ms Hewson.

“QMEA programs give the students a deeper understanding of how their studies apply to the real world and the variety of roles involved in exploring, producing and transporting resources,” she said.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the expansion of the QMEA program was providing career pathways for more young people in the resources sector.

“I want Queenslanders of all ages getting skills today for a job tomorrow, which is exactly why we’re backing QMEA,” she said.

“Expanding this program continues to give more students an insight into careers in resources and will go a long way to securing the future workforce of one of our most important sectors.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the initiative was one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future.

“Our investment in the QMEA highlights the amazing careers that are available across the resources sector and gives more students across the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsundays region a glimpse into what their future could look like,” Minister Last said.

“Securing a pipeline of skilled workers will also give the industry the confidence it needs to invest and drive the sector forward,” he said.

The seven schools to join the QMEA under the regional hub expansion are:

• Beaconsfield State School
• Catherine McAuley College Mackay
• Holy Spirit College Mackay
• Mackay Christian College
• Moranbah East State School
• Proserpine State High School
• St John’s Catholic Primary School Walkerston

The Mackay regional hub is the first of three regional hub expansions for the QMEA, with a Rockhampton hub planned for later this year and a Townsville hub in 2027.

For more than 20 years the QMEA, has been connecting school students with the mining and resources sectors. The QMEA partners with industry to deliver trade and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities with a focus on how these study pathways can lead to a rewarding career in the resources sector.

The QMEA expansion is an election commitment of the Queensland Government and forms part of Improved Completions, a joint initiative between the Australian Government and Queensland Government.