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Forget October – it has been Rock-tober for more than 150 students at Dysart State High with four days of STEM workshops during the month exploring a range of topics including geology, physics, chemistry and digital technologies.

The workshops, delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), were developed to build on the students’ knowledge, develop new skills and spark a connection between their studies and the resources industry.

Dysart principal, Donna Gilvarry, said the four days of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workshops had both challenged and inspired the students.

“The four-days of STEM workshops has given students, from Years 7 to 10, the chance to experiment, problem-solve and engage with the local resources industry which plays a big part of our community,” said Ms Gilvarry.

“Completing the STEM activities with members of the BMA team gave the students a new understanding about how these subjects integrate into mining operations.”

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Policy Director – Skills, Education and Diversity, said the series of workshops involved over 150 students at the school.

“It has been a STEM festival at Dysart SHS this month and our team has facilitated activities linking the curriculum back to the resources industry, which is interesting for the students,” Ms Jones said.

“During the workshops with the BMA team, the students learnt more about how continuing their STEM studies in the final years of school could also lead them into a professional or trades career in the industry,” she said.

“There is a high demand for multiple roles in our industry – from geologists, to mining engineers, technical operators, diesel fitters and emerging digital technology roles – these workshops provide a great opportunity to highlight the potential careers students can have in these types of positions.”