Gladstone students are taking part in a brand-new coding challenge set by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) to develop animations, quizzes and games. Aimed at students who want to extend their programming skills or start exploring the world of coding, they are under the tutelage of highly- regarded digital technology educator Dr Damien Kee.

Supported by Santos GLNG, the program, which continues for nine weeks, involves students developing animations that explain the workings of the company’s CSG/LNG operations. Students will also design a quiz and a game, linked to Santos GLNG’s local operations, as well as the wider resources sector.

“This challenge was created out of the need for more higher-order thinking activities for our young people after many were cancelled due to COVID-19,” said Chanel College Principal Susan Bunkum.

“It is a great opportunity for students to use their creativity while learning how this technology has practical applications to industry,” she said.

“This is an exciting real-world experience for the students and we are very excited to see what they come up with,” Santos GLNG Plant Manager Rohan Richardson said.

“It’s a great way for students to get an insight into the many career opportunities that are currently available in our sector and to be exposed and help shape some of those jobs of the future in our industry particularly those in digital technologies.

“STEM skill development for young people today will open many opportunities for them in the future.”

As the term progresses QMEA and Santos GLNG will showcase student projects that have gone over and above the basic standards. Winners of the challenge will be invited to participate in a unique virtual event that will beam students into the world of Santos GLNG staff members both locally and Australia-wide.

The successful students will show off their projects to the Santos GLNG team and ask them about careers in the resources sector. About 50 years 7, 8 and 9 students are taking part.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is the peak representative body for the state’s resources sector. The Queensland resources sector provides one in every five dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in seven Queensland jobs, and supports more than 14,400 businesses and 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 75 schools throughout Queensland.

Media contact: Anthony Donaghy 0412 450 360