Taste test for trade and professional careers
About 30 Millmerran State School students will get a taste of trade and professional careers when the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) combines its ‘STEM Unearthed’ and ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshops today (4 June).
The QMEA, the school engagement arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), concentrates on linking students from regional areas with the resources sector through promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
“The combined ‘STEM Unearthed’ and ‘Tradies for a Day’ initiative provides year 10 students with insights into careers within resource through hands-on STEM and trade activities that link to different stages of the mining and energy production process,” said QRC’s Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones.
“Thanks to Millmerran Power, students will hear from industry professionals and tradespeople about their roles in the resources sector,” she said.
The ‘STEM Unearthed’ activities are based on the exploration, extraction and processing of minerals and materials, and the ‘Tradies for a Day’ exercises include hands-on activities relating to different trades in the resources sector where there is a high demand.”
Millmerran State School Principal, Robert Michel said the students find it extremely valuable to interact with local resources sector employees such as Millmerran Power to give a real-world perspective to their studies and highlight the local opportunities available.
“The QMEA’s workshops build real-world skills for a career in mineral extraction, mine rehabilitation and energy production practices,” he said.
The QMEA is Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills training initiative and seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of VET and STEM career opportunities in the resources sector
The academy is largely funded by QRC members and sponsors, and currently delivers hands-on workshops and programs to 80 Queensland schools. The QMEA has a focus on increasing female and Indigenous participation and is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program which is supported and funded by the Queensland Government.