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All interests, from engineering to electrical circuits, were explored in a full-day trades and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workshop at Middlemount Community School today.

Year 10 students completed a range of academic and practical challenges in the workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with Anglo American.

Middlemount Community School principal, Sarah Quinn, said the interactive workshop was more than an educational experience, it gave the students valuable career insights as well.

“The Year 10 students are getting closer to starting their final senior years at school and experiences like today will help them decide on the best subjects to match their interests and potential careers,” Mrs Quinn said.

“They have learnt a lot and received great career advice from the QMEA and AngloAmerican team about the many roles which are in demand in the resources sector,” she said.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Katrina-Lee Jones (QRC Director – Skills, Education and Diversity), said there was a high demand for both STEM and trade roles in the sector.

“There is plenty of opportunity for students wanting to carve out a career in the resources industry,” said Ms Jones.

“There is a high demand for skilled tradespeople, like diesel fitters, mechanics and electricians, as well as STEM professionals, like mining engineers, geologists and data scientists,” she said.

“The demand for resources both locally and globally means it will continue to be a dynamic sector in the future, which is good news for these students who will be graduating in a couple of years.”