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A workshop hosted by Biloela State High School has introduced a whole new generation of local students to the potential for a career ‘on the tools’ in Queensland’s resources sector.

Almost 20 students put their safety gear on and got their hands dirty when they took part in a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA)’s ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshop, supported by Batchfire Callide, that covered auto electrics, pneumatics and mechanics.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and ran the workshop to equip local Year 10 students with some of the hands-on trade skills needed for a rewarding, well-paid career in the resources sector.

Students have also been invited to apply to attend other QMEA trade-based camps to build on their experience and prepare them for a job in resources.

“Students attending our workshop in Biloela got to hear from local tradespeople and other industry experts about their roles in the minerals and energy sectors, who also ran them through some hands-on trade activities,” QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity Katrina-Lee Jones said today.

“Our people always look forward to sharing their career experiences and how they transitioned from school to a resources sector pathway,” Batchfire Callide’s Head of Business Chris Coombes said.

“The initiative is invaluable in making the students’ classroom lessons come to life and highlight the great careers that can result from Vocational Education Training (VET) studies in their hometown.”

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.

Media Contact: Ellie Blumel – 0448122948 or ellieb@qrc.org.au