Click here for photos.

Science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills remain in high demand, and there’s no shortage of exciting career opportunities for students who are eager to pursue a rewarding future in the resources and energy sector.

Today, a group of Year 10 students from Bundaberg State High School discovered just how far their STEM education can take them during a workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said thanks to support from local resources company Evolution Mining, students explored various aspects of the mining industry through hands-on activities linked to the National Science Curriculum.

“From mineral processing and chemical engineering to sequence planning and rehabilitation, these bright minds learned about the many different professional and trade-based roles available to them in a sector operating in their backyard,” Ms Jones said.

“As the mining industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and methods, there’s no doubt STEM skills will play an increasingly important role in shaping its future, and for students who are passionate about these subjects, the opportunities are endless”.

Evolution Mining Mt Rawdon General Manager, Joe Mammen said the workshop represented an opportunity to spark interest in the resources sector among the next generation of workers.

“We hope that some of these students will take advantage of Evolution Mining’s continued commitment to local employment and sustainable community outcomes, and join our future workforce as we progress toward the end of our mine life and into new beginnings with our Hydro project,” Joe said.

“Today’s workshop showed them some of the exciting regional career opportunities that exist. Evolution is committed to building sustainable connections. We are proud to help inspire the next generation of mining engineers, environmental officers, and data scientists to continue their STEM studies”.

Bundaberg State High School Principal, Chris Gill said for the students, the workshop was an eye-opening experience that complemented their classroom learning.

“Students are amazed to see just how much science and technology is involved in the resources industry, and having experienced representatives from Evolution Mining guide them through workshop tasks today was extremely beneficial for bolstering their professional and life skills,” Mr Gill said.

“It’s so valuable for our school to have these educational experiences, as it allows students to apply their STEM skills to solve real-world problems from a resources industry context”.

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 91 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.