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With science technology engineering and maths (STEM) careers in strong demand in the latest Australian Government Skills Priority List, Bundamba State Secondary College students will have the jump on their peers after taking part in a workshop run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

The year-10 students will today hear directly from resources sector professionals who will open their eyes to the many highly-paid and skilled STEM-based careers that are available in the sector, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing it employs a record 85,000 people in Queensland.

Bundamba State Secondary College Principal Jarred Mitchell says the activities also demonstrate the links between their schoolwork and the real world, which is a useful learning aid.

“Our teachers and students really appreciate industry professionals coming into the school, guiding the students through the hands-on activities and providing first-hand information on their careers,” he said.

“This really helps to set them up for their senior high school years.”

QRC Director Skills and Educations Katrina-Lee Jones said it was also hoped that the workshop would encourage students who might not have contemplated a resources sector pathway to give them some consideration.

“For example, we’d love to see more young women consider careers like engineering where we have critical shortages,” she said.

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