Click here for photos.

Students from Ignatius Park College today (3 March) experienced the sort of complex, problem-solving activities the next generation can expect to face when pursuing a career in the resources sector.

Almost 30 students put their skills to the test, uncovering the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in their education pathway to the mines of tomorrow.

The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), kicked off its first school event for 2022 in Townsville with a STEM Unearthed workshop sponsored by Bravus Mining and Resources.

Guided by the expertise of an industry professional, Year 10 students from Ignatius Park College were given hands-on tasks that explored various aspects of resources operations, minerals processing, and process engineering.

“There are so many opportunities for the next generation to start a career in the Queensland resources sector, ranging from tertiary education to trades and apprenticeships,” QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said today.

“One of the core objectives of the QMEA’s STEM Unearthed program is to demonstrate the symmetries between science and science-related fields with many resources industry roles.”

Bravus Mining and Resources CEO David Boshoff said the mining industry offered a range of fulfilling careers in well paid, highly skilled jobs that last a lifetime.

“We are delighted to be able to have Sam, one of our Geographic Information System specialists, share his expertise and experience of working at the coalface of responsible mining with such a talented crop of local STEM students,” he said.

Ignatius Park College Principal, Shaun Clarke said students always say they are pleasantly surprised to learn the real-world application of techniques and concepts from these workshops.

“This QMEA program is an excellent example of taking fundamental principles of chemistry, geology, metallurgy, environmental engineering and even financial planning and applying it to everyday mining challenges,” he said.

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

Media contact: Hannah McColl-Wayne – hannahmw@qrc.org.au or 0430 441 115