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Bowen students are today embarking on an unforgettable educational adventure, delving into the intricacies of the export supply chain at a unique learning experience delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Thanks to Abbot Point Operations (APO), about 20 Year 8 students from Bowen State High School are getting the rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of Bowen’s North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) followed by an interactive workshop that explores into the exciting forces behind coal’s journey from origin to overseas export.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said this innovative adventure of discovery promises to unearth the hidden treasures of the resources industry and inspire young minds to forge a path towards promising local careers.

“Students are always fascinated to find out how our resources are extracted and processed before making their way along the value chain to eventually end up in everyday items and modern technology,” Ms Jones said.

“This site tour is an excellent opportunity for students to not only make personal connections with the resources and energy sector, but it also immerses them in the intricate web of logistics that powers one of Bowen’s critical economic and employment hubs”.

APO General Manager Allan Brown said the students would take the real-world learnings from the tour and apply them to an interactive ‘Pit to Port’ supply chain workshop.

“The students will work alongside APO mentors to tackle some of the challenges that come with safely and efficiently operating a world-class coal export terminal,” Mr Brown said.

“We’ll be putting their teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to the test as they consider everything from train scheduling to ship loading and harbour planning, and how to deliver these activities with great care for the surrounding environment.

“The work we do requires a variety of skills and the QMEA program is a great way for the next generation to understand the resources sector and the different career opportunities and pathways that exist within our business right here in their local community.”

Bowen State High School Principal, Mr Robert Harris said this fun-filled excursion integrated with the innovative Pit to Port workshop bridges the gap between theory and practice, enabling students in the early years of secondary school to make informed decisions about future study or training pathways.

“The concepts students are learning in the classroom across the science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) areas play a fundamental role in the everyday operations of the local resources and energy sector,” Mr Harris said.

“From the maths that goes into logistics and process optimisation, to the science behind ensuring environmental stewardship for surrounding ecosystems – this experience is a fantastic opportunity for our students to shape their educational journey and empower them to become pioneers in their chosen fields.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools 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.