Students from the beach to the bush will enjoy a first-time experience of the resources sector from pit to port this week, as they learn more about what it takes to secure one of the many exciting careers available in Central Queensland.

The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) has organised what will be a ground-breaking tour for local students at a number of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) sites, taking in stops at Hay Point Coal Terminal, Broadmeadow and Peak Downs mines.

It will be a rare opportunity for participants, who will be the first students to gain access to BMA’s Broadmeadow mine and Hay Point Coal Terminal, according to BMA Asset President James Palmer.

“Students will spend time with professionals across the three sites, gaining rare insight into all aspects of coal extraction and export,” he said.

“This face-to-face engagement is invaluable for the students, so that they can fully understand the great opportunities available to them in our sector locally,” Mr Palmer said.

“They’ll also gain first-hand knowledge of the further education and training they need to undertake to put them on a pathway to those careers.”

While the challenge faced by the resources sector attracting mining engineers is well documented, Mr Palmer hopes the tour helps his organisation as it attempts to meet both its current and future demand.

“We hope some of these students will look seriously at that career pathway as a result of the experience they’re having this week.”

Schools attending:

• Dysart SHS
• Bundamba SHS
• Blackwater SHS
• Chanel College
• Bundaberg SHS
• Emerald SHS
• Pioneer SHS