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About 20 students from Chinchilla State High School will substitute classroom-based learning today (2 June) for a ‘day on the job’ as they trial a range of trade-based activities at a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) workshop, thanks to support from Origin Energy, upstream operator for Australia Pacific LNG.

One of the most unique, fast-paced, and interactive programs of its kind, the ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshop is delivered by the QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), to allow high school students to experience exciting opportunities in trade-focussed careers.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said apprentices and tradespeople from Origin will mentor students as they complete interactive workshop activities and offer first-hand guidance on the potential pathways into the resources sector.

“Students can develop tangible skills during today’s workshop whilst also further improving essential intangible skills like communication, teamwork, and problem solving,” Ms Jones said.

“With representatives on-hand from Origin, students will sample a variety of trade-based roles like an electrician, mechanic, or welder by completing a wiring activity, engineering and design challenges, pneumatic tasks, and trying out a welding simulator.

“Not only does this immerse students in exciting manual activities that align with the school curriculum, but it increases their awareness of the rewarding career pathways they can pursue in the resources and energy industry”.

Steve Thatcher, General Manager, Asset East for Origin, said Origin has a strong focus on hiring local, so it is important to have a sustainable talent pipeline of tradespeople from local communities.

“It’s an exciting time to work in the resources and energy industry, and we are proud to support the QMEA and our employees to share their skills and encouragement to inspire the next generation to enter a trade-based job.

“By engaging with the Grade 10 students today, we hope to encourage them to continue an education or vocation pathway that leads to an exciting future,” Mr Thatcher said.

Chinchilla State School Principal, Mr Ian Insley said this workshop was an excellent opportunity for the students to get a taste of trade-based roles in a safe and stimulating environment.

“We know only some students will pursue technical professions when they leave school, and Tradies for a Day helps raise their awareness of the highly in-demand trade-based roles that are on offer in their own backyard,” Mr Insley said.

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training 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 over 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.