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Nearly 30 Theodore State School students will today (27 May) hear of the many opportunities available to them in the resources sector as textbooks go head-to-head against toolkits in a Queensland Minerals and Energy (QMEA) ‘STEM Unearthed’ and ‘Tradies for a Day’ combined workshop.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and is Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills training initiative.

The academy seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) career opportunities in the resources sector.

“Nothing beats today’s hands-on experiences with people from our industry in fostering enthusiasm for trade and STEM careers in our sector,” said QRC’s Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones.

“Students find it extremely valuable to interact with local resources sector employees to give a real-world perspective to their studies, the local opportunities available to them as well as guidance on how to achieve their career ambitions.”

Industry representatives from Aeris Resources will be on hand to help the Year 7-10 students navigate a series of real-life activities, putting concepts from their textbooks to practical use and exploring various trade careers through activities related to mechanics, electric and pneumatic circuits and technical drawing, design and measurement.

Aeris Resources General Manger John Miller said students would be immersed in small-scale classroom challenges to help foster an understanding of resources sector operations.

“We hope to inspire a greater interest in the resources sector, an overview of some of the mining processes involved and share the myriad of career opportunities available across the broader industry,” he said.

Theodore State School Principal Sue Cannon said the workshops give the next generation of tradespeople, scientists, engineers and coders an insight into the central role STEM plays in the minerals and energy sector.

“We are proud supporters of the QMEA, and our students always enjoy opportunities to explore study and career options for the future.”

The QMEA is largely funded by QRC members and sponsors and currently delivers hands-on workshops and programs to 80 Queensland schools. Its focus is 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.