H2 all systems go for Tannum Sands State High students
Tannum Sands State High School students are proving they’re ready to go with the industry of the future for their region, with a final week workshop focussing on hydrogen as a clean fuel.
The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) workshop tests students’ skills to design a customised mini hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and then race the vehicle against their classmates. The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said the QMEA worked with 90 Queensland schools, including Tannum Sands State High School, to encourage students to consider a career in a resources-related field.
“Gladstone is a focal point for Queensland’s emerging hydrogen industry, so what better time for local students to learn about the fuel of the future,” Ms Jones said.
“The Gladstone region has been a resources sector powerhouse with the development of the gas export industry. Its future to expand into a new type of industry is in good hands based on the enthusiasm we’ve seen already from students keen to take part in today’s events.”
Australian Gas Industry Trust Executive Officer Dr Jen Thompson said the workshop allows students to turn their minds to energy solutions of the future.
“Energy security is essential to the success of all communities, and few areas know that better than the broader Gladstone region given its strong connection to the gas industry,” Dr Thompson said.
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 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.