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Students from Roma State College took part in an immersive workshop today, exploring the full lifecycle of the gas industry, from extraction through to transport and export.

The Well to Wharf workshop was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with Origin Energy, upstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG.

Twenty Year 7 and 8 students participated in the full-day program, exploring the physics of extracting gas, the logistics and safety requirements of transportation through pipeline networks and the process of conversion into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export.

Roma State College Principal Monique Pfingst said the workshop provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply their learning to real-world activities, strengthening their understanding of local energy industry operations.

“I was really impressed by the enthusiasm the students showed throughout the workshop,” said Ms Pfingst.

They enjoyed the STEM challenges and had plenty of questions for the Origin team, reflecting a genuine interest in learning and exploring potential future pathways in the LNG industry.”

The students worked in teams to explore the principles of pressure and volume and how they influence the movement of gas through high-pressure pipelines, through a simulated gas extraction involving yeast and collecting and analysing data using digital gas pressure sensors.

Greg Wicks, Group Manager HSE – Integrated Gas at Origin Energy said workshops like Well to Wharf play an important role in creating meaningful connections between students and industry.

“Opportunities like this are incredibly valuable for Origin as they help build students’ understanding of energy operations in the Maranoa region,” Mr Wicks said.

“Today has also given them insight into the variety of STEM and trade roles involved in the discovery, transportation and processing of gas which could inspire a future career direction.”

The QMEA is an industry-led education initiative and the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

For over 20 years, the QMEA has been connecting school students with the resources industry by delivering trade and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities, with a focus on how these study pathways can lead to a rewarding career in the resources sector.