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The resources industry’s potential future leaders and innovators are strengthening their technical and professional skills at a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) workshop today (14 June), focusing on science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said St Hilda’s School is hosting its first ever QMEA workshop, with over 180 Year seven and eight students participating in ‘STEM Day’, guided by industry experts.

“For the inaugural QMEA workshop at St Hilda’s School, we’ve got a suite of exciting STEM-based activities planned that will allow the students to connect their classroom curriculum to real-world applications,” Ms Jones said.

“We will hold nine separate classes over the course of the day with students completing tasks from one of three different programs including Resourceful Robots, Mining for Code, and Hunting Minerals, Metals and More.

“Today is all about showcasing how important and sought-after STEM skills are in the resources and energy sector, and there is no shortage of rewarding opportunities across a number of fields like environmental science, geology, engineering, or even trade-based roles.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the students to hear directly from industry representatives about how they can pave their pathway to an exciting career in a myriad of professional disciplines”.

Industry representatives are attending the workshop today to provide personal insight into the exciting career pathways the resources sector has on offer.

This includes QEM’s Director of Communications, Ms Jo Bergamin who is a St Hilda’s School alumna and Hastings Deering’s Recruitment Officer, Ms Zoe Hopwood who is currently coordinating the company’s 2022 Apprenticeship Intake.

St Hilda’s School Principal, Ms Wendy Lauman said they are eager to be holding their first QMEA workshop at the school and students are keen to put their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills to the test as they complete one of three activities simulating real-world applications in the resources industry.

“Resourceful Robots will see students program Lego EV3 robots that reflect the functions of an automated vehicle driving around a designated circuit.

“Mining for Code involves students programming a small computer called Arduinos using the coding language ‘C’, tasked with producing a series of flashing lights that mimic a safety feature found in the helmets of today’s resources industry workforce.

“Hunting Minerals, Metals and More sees students investigate links between elements in the Periodic Table and the everyday products they’re used in, demonstrating how mineral resources are essential for things like medical appliances, electronics, and even toothpaste!”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools 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 vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with over 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.