Mackay Northern Beaches, Mackay and Sarina state high schools are taking part in Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) events for the first time this week.

Students are participating in STEM Unearthed events, which encourage the pursuit of excellence in science and science-related subjects.

STEM Unearthed is a full-day activity offered to students in year 10 who are seeking an academic pathway of study in years 11 and 12.

Industry representatives from Adani will be on hand to mentor the students through the sessions and give first-hand advice about the myriad STEM and trade careers in the resources sector.

Students work in small groups to complete STEM-based activities focused on the life cycle of resource operations from exploration to extraction and rehabilitation.

Principal of Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Sian Burrows said the participation of industry representatives as mentors to the students helped them to relate classroom work to the real world.

“The students also have the opportunity to ask them questions about careers and opportunities in the resources sector, which can help students with goal setting and subject selection for their senior high school years.”

Adani Head of Communications Kate Campbell said Adani was proud to support a program that provided young people a window into the resources sector.

“The Queensland resources industry is a major employer of professionals across many fields, from geologists to environmental scientists and engineers, many of whom come from the Mackay region,” Ms Campbell said.

“The mining industry can provide so many career pathways for students, especially those who are interested in science, maths, engineering and technology, and we are proud to partner with QMEA to introduce students to those opportunities.”

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is the peak representative body for Queensland‘s resources sector. The Queensland resources sector provides one in every five dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in seven Queensland jobs, supports more than 14,400 businesses and almost 1400 community organisations across the state, all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.

The QMEA is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program. It has 80 schools throughout Queensland.

Media contact: Caroline Morrissey 0417 770 893

Photo ops: All-day events. Check with Jen Hoyle re access to schools: 0428 720 744

Pioneer SHS – 14 October

Sarina SHS – 15 October