Nanango students will be able to ‘try before they buy’ when they experience a ‘hands-on’ taste of trade and professional careers today. About 40 Nanango High School students will take part in Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) events, which are being run at the school.

Downer employees will help the students through hands-on activities at separate events in the school’s science lab and trade centre, and provide mentoring on subject selection for senior school and career paths, based on their own experiences.

“STEM for Schoolkids and Toolkit for Schoolkids workshops help Year 10 students interested in pursuing a professional or trade pathway when they complete their schooling,” said Downer’s General Manager Talent, Clare Hudson.

“Supporting the QMEA is an important part of our commitment to our local communities. These experiences support young people by introducing them to the many and varied careers and career paths into the resources sector,” she said.

“I know our employees thoroughly enjoy these events and we hope to see the students join the resources workforce following their studies.”

QRC is the peak representative body for Queensland ‘s resource sector. The Queensland resources sector provides one in every $6 dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State, all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.