Minister encourages students to upgrade to a trade
Resources Minister Scott Stewart’s attendance at a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshop at Pimlico State High School in Townsville today could inspire a whole new generation of students to consider a career in resources, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said.
The Minister is no stranger to the school, being its Principal prior to entering Parliament in 2015 before moving into the resources’ portfolio after the 2020 Queensland election.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the timing couldn’t be better for the Minister to be involved in a local school-based trade workshop, given future employment prospects in the state’s resources and energy sector were looking very positive.
Online job portal Seek currently has more than 1,000 jobs advertised for Queensland’s resources and energy sector, including 82 jobs in Townsville.
Mr Macfarlane said today’s workshop will provide 20 Year 10 students with an insight into the life of a tradesperson, with hands-on demonstrations provided by Bravus Mining and Resources employees.
“The QMEA has a vital role to play in encouraging students to consider a VET or STEM-related career in resources,” he said.
“I congratulate the Minister on his support for the resources sector and attendance here today, which has the potential to leave a lasting impression on bright young students’ minds.
“The QMEA, which is the QRC’s education arm, is going from strength to strength as more educators, parents and students became aware of the career opportunities and pathways available to young people who want a job in resources.”
Mr Macfarlane said the 70,000 people currently working in the state’s resources sector, many based regionally, were an integral part of an industry that generates more than $50 billion in resources exports each year.
As part of today’s workshop, students will take part in a virtual welding activity thanks to a TAFE simulator as well as a CAD drawing and design activity overseen by local business NEM Group.
“Bravus Mining and Resources is proud to participate in this event which helps students understand the opportunities and career paths on offer including trade careers,” Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Executive Officer, David Boshoff said today.
“With our mining, renewables, and infrastructure assets based in Queensland, we want to ensure local students are benefiting from our support,” he said.
“We want them to know about the many opportunities open to them in our sector, that can potentially bring them back to their hometowns and keep regional communities strong, while building the skilled workforce that we need.”
“Today’s activities are designed to give our students exposure to a number of trade experiences to help them make an informed career choice,” said Pimlico State High School Principal Joel Buchholz.