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Engineers, electricians and environmental scientists are just some of the many roles in demand by the resources sector. This insight and more were shared with Year 10 students at Moura State High School today at a trade and STEM workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

The workshop, delivered in partnership with Anglo American, was designed to achieve two goals – give the students some practical skills and a greater understanding of the trade and professional career opportunities available to them in the resources sector.

Dawson Mine general manager Matt Stevens said the trade and STEM workshop at Moura SHS was a great opportunity to give back to the school community and share career stories with the students.

“At Anglo American, we have a strong history of building a pipeline of qualified workers in the region. We have connected dozens of students with the resources and energy sector through visits or positions at our mines,” Mr Stevens said.

“Hands-on STEM and trade activities through QMEA, such as the Oresome Trades Camp and STEM Tradies for a Day, also help the next generation to bolster their tangible trade skills.

“They get a feel for what life is like as a mechanic or auto-electrician, or boilermaker, all while discovering how those skills translate to the real-world.

“We would be delighted to have some of these Year 10 students join us in the future – they certainly showed us their potential today.”

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, said the impact of activities like today’s should not be underestimated.

“Students at this age are seriously considering their working future – what subjects to study and whether they want to follow a trade or professional study pathway,” Ms Jones said.

“Being able to immerse themselves in the resources world for a day and listen to advice from people already working in the industry, is a unique opportunity which can help them make important decisions about their future.”

Students, teachers and parents wanting to know more about starting a career in the resources sector can visit the shapeyourfuture.com.au website.

About the QMEA

The QMEA is an industry-led education initiative designed to show school students how studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and trades can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. The highly regarded workshop and camp-based program is now in 100 public, private and independent Queensland schools, thanks to support from Qld Resources Council members and industry sponsors. It is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools program supported and funded by the Queensland Government.