About 40 years 8–12 students from Middlemount Community School will gain first-hand insights into what it’s like to have an engineering or science related career when they are visited by staff from the Middlemount South Mine this week.

Along with their teachers, they’ll be taking part in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) STEM 4 SchoolKids full-day event.

Scott Graham Chief Operating Officer (COO) Middlemount South said the company was proud to support the QMEA program, which helped to ensure that local students were equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills to take them into these careers, and return to their communities.

“It’s extremely important that students learn of the many exciting career opportunities in our sector, and just as importantly, the subjects they need to select and the pathways into these careers,” said Mr Graham.

“I know that our staff get as much out of it as the students do as well.”

The event, made possible by QMEA partner Middlemount South, is for students interested in pursuing a professional career in engineering or science.

During the event, students work in groups to complete a series of challenges and hands-on activities that demonstrate the different disciplines of science and engineering related professions in the resources sector.

They will be mentored by industry professionals who will speak to the students about their own careers.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.