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With resources sector related trades featuring prominently in the latest Australian Government Skills Priority List, local students are being encouraged to consider trade careers in a hands-on workshop at Capella State High School today. 

Run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), and sponsored by Glencore Coal, the students will be mentored through several trade skill activities by Glencore Coal tradespeople. 

“The students will experience a variety of trade activities involved in the resources sector to give them a taste of what it’s like to work in these careers,” said QMEA Director Katrina-Lee Jones. 

“They will also find out from Glencore Coal’s local qualified tradespeople just what it takes to enter these highly skilled and technological fields,” she said. 

“Trades are well paid and enable students to earn while they earn, and importantly, remain in their home communities,” said Glencore Coal’s Clint Cody – Mechanical Engineering Manager, Oaky North Mine. 

“We hope that young people who might not have previously considered a trade role, and particularly female and Indigenous students, will take another look at their options after this workshop,” he said. 

“With more than 5,000 trades and trades assistant positions currently advertised in Queensland on Seek, it’s clear there’s no shortage of opportunities once they complete their training.” 

Capella State High School Principal Gerowyn Lacaze, said he was looking forward to welcoming Clermont students to the school to join in the workshop. 

“These events also help students to see how their classroom work relates to the world outside and this can be a powerful aid to learning,” she said. 

“It’s great that they’ll also be able to test their aptitude for these careers during the workshop.” 

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.