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Grade 10 students from Millmerran State School yesterday (11 August) tested their minds and manual skills at a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) workshop, thanks to support from Millmerran Power.

The QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) delivered a day of exciting, resources-related activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as well as trade roles.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the workshop allowed students to learn about the different types of rewarding careers on offer in the minerals and energy sector.

“One in every six jobs in Queensland is in the minerals and energy sector, which is experiencing a skills shortage, so there has never been a better time to pursue an exciting career in a STEM or trade-based role,” Ms Jones said.

“The QRC recently launched the ‘Shape Your Future. Innovate Our World’ campaign centred around the Top 10 hottest jobs in Queensland resources right now as a way to attract more young people to work in our sector.

“The resources sector is undergoing an intense and immense period of change, as companies move to lower emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. Getting more young people on board with us on that journey is the key to success.”

Millmerran Power’s Plant Manager, Mr Shane Burge said the company is proud to partner with the QMEA, helping guide students onto a pathway into one of Australia’s most important and transformational industries – minerals and energy.

“As an active community and industry partner, we remain committed to empowering and supporting the development of students who will make up the generations to come,” Mr Burge said.

“Initiatives like this play an integral part in helping the industry grow a sustainable talent pipeline, and we hope today’s activities will encourage these students to consider working for one of the world’s most innovative and evolving industries.”

Millmerran State School Principal, Mr Rob Michel said the students really enjoyed the versatility of the workshop’s activities, allowing them to see how the STEM skills they’re learning in the classroom are applied in the resources sector every day.

“These students will soon select the subjects they will study in Grade 11 and 12, and we know this will strongly influence the type of education or training pathway they choose after school.

“In addition to the STEM-related tasks in the workshop yesterday, students also sampled different trade-based roles such as virtual welding, electrical, and mechanical activities.

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 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.