More than 100 Dalby and Chinchilla Year 8 students will enter the world of digital technology when they learn not only how to fly drones, but also how to print 3D parts and build them.

The My Digital World workshop, hosted by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) at the Dalby State High School Bunya Campus, is a hands-on event aimed at motivating and inspiring students to consider science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

Arrow Energy Community Relations Manager Peta Tucker said skilling students in regional areas would help them in later life to work and live in the community they grew up in.

“These programs form an important role in addressing shortages for science and engineering-based professionals across the state, especially in regions. The workshop promotes STEM subjects, and the exciting and rewarding careers they can lead to,” Ms Tucker said.

“Importantly, we hope the program ignites a passion for STEM and generates greater numbers of science and engineering graduates in the future.”

“They’ll enter the fast-moving world of digital technology, robotics and automation during the day-long event that inspires young minds to use technology – in real-world tasks.”

Students will hear from leaders in these fields – and have one-on-one time to learn more about career pathways. Attending experts are from STEM education specialists STEM Punks and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM).

Teachers are also given the opportunity to learn more about these cutting-edge technologies with professional development sessions being held in the region prior to the event.

“It’s also important that teachers in our regions are given access to professional development opportunities that we often take for granted in larger regional and metropolitan areas. Arrow is pleased to be able to bring this exciting session to teachers in the region,” Ms Tucker said.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.

The activity is made possible through financial and in-kind support from Arrow Energy.