Alexandra Hills State High School students were on the hunt for treasure – treasures that can be found in everyday things – when they took part in a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) activity.

It was the first time the event has been conducted by the QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

“The students hunted down 30 items that contain minerals, which are used every day,” said Matthew Heskett, Manager Skills and Education for the QRC.

“The activity joins the dots between elements on the Periodic Table and their uses in ever day life utilising the 30 Things [https://www.minerals.org.au/sites/default/files/30%20Things.pdf] publication, produced by the Minerals Council of Australia,” he said.

“We also hope it will pique students’ interest in resources careers, as there is a huge variety of occupations in the sector, which are highly skilled, well paid, and many of which are in short supply, for example in trades and engineering,” said Michael Pitt, Head of Development for event sponsor New Century Resources.

“It’s a great way to bring the periodic table to life by demonstrating how mineral resources are used – from personal hygiene products to the development of technologies such as smart phones, wind turbines and solar panels,” said Alexandra Hills State High School Principal Julie-Ann McCullough.

“It also helps them with analysing information, decision making, and working collaboratively, all things that will be necessary when they enter the workforce,” 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.