Click here for photos of the workshop

The exciting world of engineering in the resources sector got one step closer for a group of Year 9 students who participated in a ‘Beakers. ‘Bots. Build.’ workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) today.

The workshop, attended by 20 students from Good Shepherd Catholic College and Spinifex State College, was delivered by the QMEA with the support of Glencore MIM. The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Under the guidance of industry professionals from Glencore MIM the students explored a range of activities critical to the resources sector including robotic programming, engineering and an ore sorting challenge.

Acting Principal of Good Shepherd Catholic College, Megan Waldon, said the benefits of the workshop extended beyond the activities on the day.

“The students also had the opportunity to discuss career opportunities in the resources sector with the Glencore MIM representatives,” said Ms Waldon.

Educational experiences like this help the students to decide on their future career path and are one of the benefits of us being in the network of QMEA schools.

Simon Wilcox, Coordinator of Pathway Programs at Glencore Mount Isa Mines, said that the school workshop represented an investment in the Mount Isa community.

“It provided an excellent platform to demonstrate cutting-edge technology in our industry and exchange career narratives with the students,” Mr. Wilcox remarked.

“In regions where access to diverse career opportunities can be limited, these programs offer a crucial pathway towards sustainable employment and economic growth. They provide students with exposure to the intricacies of the mining industry, offering firsthand experiences, mentorship, and skill development opportunities.”

“I was particularly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm at this workshop and am confident that there are some future engineers among them!”

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the workshop was designed to show students the potential STEM-related careers available to them in the resources sector.

“From the traditions of engineering to the advance of new technologies and programming, there is an array of career pathways for students keen to join the resources and energy industry,” said Ms Jones.

The QMEA is an industry-led education initiative designed to show school students how studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and trades can open up a whole new world of career opportunities.