About 25 year 10 Rockhampton students will head to CQ University today, not seeking bachelors degrees, but how to jump onto the pathway to a trade or other vocational career.

The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) event is being hosted at the university by Hastings Deering and Coronado Curragh.

Attending will be students from Rockhampton High, North Rockhampton High, Cathedral College, and Rockhampton Girls Grammar.

“We are facing a shortage of skilled trades people and it’s important for students to know how rewarding a trade career can be,” Emma Pollard, Vice President People and Culture Coronado Curragh.

“Students should also be confident that trade and other vocational roles present the same long term job prospects as a degree at university,” she said.

“These are highly technical occupations that are well paid and in demand world-wide.”

“It’s great to see female students expressing interest in these careers,” said Vincent Cosgrove, General Manager People and External Affairs at Hastings Deering.

“We are steadily increasing the number of female trades people and operators, but to continue this trend, girls need to see these female role models and learn about the opportunities in this field of work.”

Students will take a tour of the CQU campus and learn about trade and operator roles directly from industry people.