Click here for Moura State High School workshop photos

From virtual reality trade simulations to examining issues impacting the mine lifecycle, Moura State High School students have covered the full spectrum in a STEM and trade workshop delivered today by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with Anglo American.

The room was a buzz of activity as the Year 10 students rotated through hands-on activities including using virtual reality technology to simulate welding and big haul truck driving.

Moura State High School principal, Vanessa Moller, said the QMEA workshop gave the students a real-world learning experience.

“At this age students are starting to consider their future careers and today’s workshop is a great chance for them to delve more closely into trade and professional roles in the resources sector,” said Ms Moller.

“The workshop activities mirror real industry processes, building the students’ practical skills and understanding of the industry,” she said.

“Opportunities like this allow our students to see what’s possible beyond the classroom.”

The science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) component of the workshop exploring different aspects of mining operations, including exploration, processing, and environmental management.

Dawson Mine general manager Matt Stevens said early engagement gave students the chance to explore practical skills and discover where their interests might lead.

“These students are the future of our region and we want them to see the opportunities right here in their own backyard,” he said.

“Today wasn’t just about learning skills but showing them the kinds of careers they can build and helping them understand the pathways to get there whether it’s a trade, engineering or environmental science.”

For more than 20 years the QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council, has been connecting school students with the resources industry by delivering trade and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities with a focus on how these study pathways can lead to a rewarding career in the resources sector