Click here for photos 

Students from two Central Queensland schools will band together today to come up with strategies to keep the lights on and industry ticking over in a Powering our Future workshop run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). 

“Powering our Future promotes awareness of the various methods of electricity production available in Australia and how they all link to the National Energy Market,” said Jellinbah Group’s Chief Executive Officer Craig McCabe. 

“As we enter a brave new low-emissions world, it’s important for students to understand how traditional and new energy resources combine to provide for our ever-increasing energy needs,” he said. 

“This workshop will help the Emerald and Blackwater state high school students to think about energy production and supply, not just for today, but also how it will look in 50 years’ time,” said Katrina-Lee Jones, director Skills and Education with the QRC. 

“This is very important as the world gathers in Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Change Conference, with net-zero emissions by 2050 high on the agenda.  

“After researching electricity production technologies, the students will present a proposal to their peers outlining a breakdown of the state’s electricity needs, the pros and cons of different electricity production technologies and community, environment and economic benefits,” she said. 

Representatives from Glencore Coal and BHP will also be on hand to mentor the students who are all gathering at Blackwater State High School. 

Blackwater State High School Principal Rebecca Godfrey said as well as understanding how science, technology, engineering and maths subjects are used in the real world, the workshop presents an excellent opportunity for students to hone their networking and presentation skills. 

“These so-called soft skills are so important to students’ success in their professional and personal lives and it’s also a great opportunity for them to discuss career options with industry professionals.” 

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 80 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.        

Media Contact: Caroline Morrissey  0417 770893 or Carolinem@qrc.org.au