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Bundamba State Secondary College will gain insight into the jobs of the future in the technologically advanced resources sector today as they program an autonomous vehicle to navigate a simulated mine site. 

They are taking part in a Resourceful Robots workshop run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). 

“Autonomous vehicles are increasingly being incorporated into mining operations and this technology is creating demand for highly-skilled people to run and maintain them,” said QRC’s Director Education and Skills Katrina-Lee Jones. 

“These vehicles including haul trucks, and remotely operated equipment require teams of highly skilled people to keep them running and operating, so we need to make sure students understand the many opportunities available to them in these areas. 

“Skills shortages are the number one concern of our CEOs, and we have critical shortages in areas such as auto electricians, data management, electrical engineers and electrical fitters and mechanics. 

“We hope today’s workshop will open their eyes to the possibilities.” 

Bundamba State Secondary College Principal Sandra Quinn said the workshop would also hone students’ skills in collaboration, complex problem solving, numeracy, digital technologies, digital and data literacy. 

“It’s a fun activity and having fun is a powerful learning tool as they relate their classroom work to the world outside.” 

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