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Students from central Queensland high schools will learn today how robotics chemistry and engineering combine in Queensland’s technologically advanced resources sector. 

They’ll be mentored by professionals from Anglo American in the Beakers.Bots.Build workshop at Moura State High School, run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). 

“There are many opportunities in our sector for our local young people,” said General Manager of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine, Clarence Robertson.  

“We appreciate the opportunity to engage with students about the wide range of opportunities available in our industry and encourage them to consider careers in our sector that allow them to remain in their home communities,” he said.  

“We also encourage females and Indigenous students to consider careers in resources, to help ensure our industry is more reflective of the communities we operate in.”  

“Many young people are unaware of the numerous fields of expertise required by our sector and these hand-on activities will give them a taste of the exciting careers open to them,” said Katrina-Lee Jones, Director Skills and Education with the QRC. 

“With our traditional mining remaining strong it’s important that students understand the opportunities available so that Queensland has access to the skilled people it needs now and in the future,” she said. 

“Skills shortages are the number one concern of QRC CEOs at the moment and we need to make sure that students have good information on which to make their subject choices so that these fields can open up to them.” 

James Lye, Acting Principal Moura State High School said it was a great opportunity for the students to collaborate with students from Biloela State High School and Redeemer College while working with industry professionals. 

“It helps them with their networking, communication and teamwork skills while gaining an understanding of how the classroom theory relates to the real world.” 

The students will work on three different challenges including programming and robotics, chemical processing and design and engineering 

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills 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 VET and STEM-related careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 80 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.       

Media Contact: Caroline Morrissey  0417 770893 or Carolinem@qrc.org.au