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Students from Pimlico State High School felt the force of physics today when they got a helping hand from hydraulic arms that they built themselves during a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) workshop. 

The education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) travelled to Townsville today to deliver its exciting, hands-on Heavy Hydraulics workshop to about 28 students in Years 7, 8 and 9, thanks to support from Bravus Mining and Resources. 

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said this remarkable educational experience allowed students in the middle years of schooling to engage their design, engineering, and problem-solving skills. 

“This workshop is all about showcasing the wonders of fundamental physics, helping students to connect classroom concepts to real-world technologies,” Ms Jones said. 

“Queensland’s world-class resources and energy sector employs some of the highest paid and most skilled technical professionals, particularly in engineering and technology roles, and the QMEA is passionate about helping the next generation discover the many exciting career opportunities on offer.” 

Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said the QMEA program was one of the pillars of Bravus’ commitment to employment and skills development in regional Queensland. 

As part of this QMEA workshop, Bravus Mining and Resources’ Lead – Asset Strategy Eric Girgenti helped the students design and assemble a model-scale mechanical arm, using a non-compressible fluid to manipulate its movement without having to exert manual force. 

“The mining industry is both the backbone of the Australian economy and of modern society, providing the raw commodities that go into the products we all rely on every day,” Mr Crowe said. 

“The fact we employed more than 2,600 people during the construction of the Carmichael Mine and Rail Project, the vast majority of whom came from regional Queensland, is something we’re really proud of. 

“Now that our mine and railway are built and we’re exporting high-quality coal, we’re excited to show the next generation exactly what responsible mining looks like, and the pathways that are available and could lead them to a rewarding career at Carmichael.” 

Pimlico State High School Principal, Mr Stephen Baskerville said this experience was a fantastic way to inspire and encourage students to continue studies in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) in their final years of senior school. 

“This workshop was a clever integration of STEM learning and career pathway exploration, motivating students to pursue careers as STEM professionals,” Mr Baskerville said. 

“With the advancement of modern technologies, the basic principles of science can sometimes get overlooked, so it’s extremely valuable to have engaging QMEA workshops that complement the school curriculum”. 

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.  

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 91 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.