Year 10 students unearth resources careers in QMEA workshop
Students from Bundaberg had the opportunity to connect their science studies with potential careers in the resources sector at a workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
The STEM Unearthed workshop, proudly sponsored by Evolution Mining, was developed for Year 10 students with an interest in chemistry, geology and engineering with the aim of showcasing how these subjects can ultimately lead to a dynamic career in the resources and energy sector.
Bundaberg State High School principal, Nancy Paterson, said the students would soon need to make decisions about their subjects for senior school so the workshop was perfectly timed.
“The workshop provided the perfect combination of practical experiments and the chance to talk with a scientist from the Evolution Mining team about career pathways into the resources sector,” said Ms Paterson.
Ben Young, Evolution Mining General Manager said the students worked together to complete activities modelled on mining activities including production, processing and rehabilitation.
“While they were completing the activities, the students were also problem-solving; working as a team and communicating which are critical skills in any workplace,” said Ben.
“Evolution Mining is committed to supporting local communities neighbouring our operations, and I hope today’s workshop has helped to inspire students to join the mining sector where they can have a rich, diverse, and rewarding career.”
QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones, said the STEM Unearthed workshop had been designed by the QMEA team to give the students a sample of the different roles involved in the resources and energy sector.
“There is a huge variety of roles including: exploration, engineering, processing and rehabilitation,” said Ms Jones.
“The aim of this workshop was to increase the students understanding of the various roles and give them guidance on potential careers aligned with their interest in chemistry, geology, environmental science and maths.”