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Gladstone students are today exploring what it takes to get resources out of the ground and into the global supply chain at a workshop facilitated by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Thanks to support from ConocoPhillips Australia, as downstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG), Pit to Port sees students from local high schools learn about three different aspects of the resources industry value chain – and in doing so, better understand career opportunities within the resources sector and how these roles are changing for the future.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the workshop illustrates the various steps needed to deliver Queensland’s high-quality commodities to Europe, Asia, South America, and North America.

“Students are getting hands-on experience in tasks relating to management of the wharf, ships, tides and tugs, and are learning how to manage an export order with a fleet of trucks,” Ms Jones said.

“These exciting and dynamic activities are showing students the array of processes involved in exporting resources from Gladstone harbour, including cost analysis, demonstrating the different roles necessary to reach the export phase.”

The full-day workshop is being held at Central Queensland University’s (CQU) Marina Campus in Gladstone, where students from Chanel College, Toolooa, Gladstone, Calliope and Tannum Sands state high schools will be mentored by resources and energy sector professionals from APLNG.

Manager Communities and Sustainable Development at ConocoPhillips Australia, Mr Robert Gibb said that the creative workshop activities with resources and energy industry context stems from APLNG’s demonstrated expertise in best-practice supply chain management.

“This is the perfect opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the complexities involved in exporting our products to global destinations and to be involved in some real-world problem solving,” Mr Gibb said.

“With guidance from experienced industry mentors, students are participating in interactive tasks in fleet management, workplace health and safety, and harbour management and operations.”

Toolooa State High School Principal, Mr Justin Harrison said the experience helps to translate an intricate system with complex moving parts, operating in their own backyard, to an easily digestible classroom exercise.

“The opportunity for our students to work alongside knowledgeable professionals from our local resources sector is greatly valued and highlights the opportunities that exist in their hometowns,” Mr Harrison said.

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training 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 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.