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The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) will spark the interest of more than 50 students from Alexandra Hills State High School today (7 June) on how to secure Australia’s future energy supplies in its ‘Energy: The Inside Story’ workshop. 

The QMEA – the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) – will challenge Year 8 students to use real-time data to determine the best energy mix for their local community. 

“We are proud to deliver this important workshop as it is students of today who will be solving the energy challenges of tomorrow,” said QRC’s Policy Director of Skills, Education and Diversity Katrina-Lee Jones. 

“These tasks will challenge students to consider all current energy production technology options to ensure their community can continue to have access to reliable energy through to 2050. 

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. 

“With the right decisions now, at a time where we are realising the potential of Queensland’s renewable energy resources, our state has the ability to become a global energy superpower, but this industry needs a skilled workforce in place to make this a reality.” said Alexandra Hills State High School Principal Gail Armstrong. 

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to encourage our students to be critical thinkers about the complex nature of Australia’s energy needs and to provide them with the tools to manage future energy supply and consumption” she said.

The QMEA is Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills training initiative and seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of VET and STEM career opportunities in the resources sector. 

The academy is largely funded by QRC members and sponsors, and currently delivers hands-on workshops and programs to 80 Queensland schools. The QMEA has a focus on increasing female and Indigenous participation and is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program which is supported and funded by the Queensland Government.