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Chemistry, circuits and careers were all covered in a one-day intensive workshop for Year 10 students at Millmerran State School this week.

The students were participating in a unique workshop with the morning session spent developing their trade skills and an afternoon program back in the science laboratory completing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities.

The workshop was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the support of Millmerran Power who had some of their team members on hand to guide students through the trade and STEM challenges.

Millmerran State School principal Jason Edmonstone said the students enjoyed developing their practical trade skills and their scientific processing skills over the course of the workshop.

“It was a good chance for them to test their aptitude and interest in following a vocational or academic study pathway in senior school,” said Mr Edmonstone.

Millmerran Power’s Plant Manager Shane Burge said there was a high demand for tradespeople and professionals in the energy sector.

“This workshop was a great opportunity for some of our team to share their career experience in different roles with Millmerran Power and give them an idea of the future potential for working in our sector,” said Mr Burge.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Katrina-Lee Jones said the full-day workshop had been designed to ignite an interest in continuing either STEM or VET studies in Years 11 and 12.

“The energy and resources industry is a major employer of Queenslanders and we are keen to let students know about the career opportunities available to them, and the best people to share those stories are people working in the industry, like the Millmerran Power team members,” said Ms Jones.

“We hope today’s workshop has given the students some practical skills and career advice which will help guide them into the final years of school and beyond.”

For more information about energy and resources careers visit: shapeyourfuture.com.au

QMEA programs and workshops are now in 100 Queensland schools thanks to the support of QRC members, industry sponsors and the Queensland Government as part of its Gateway to Industry Schools Program.