Funding secures next generation resource workers

The Queensland Government is investing $2m to expand its Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) education arm.

The funding will establish a jobs pipeline for resource workers in regional hubs across central and north Queensland by increasing awareness and interest in energy and minerals career pathways.

The expansion will take place over three years, with the first regional hub based in Mackay at the Resources Centre of Excellence. Rockhampton will follow in 2026 and Townsville in 2027.

Queensland Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates says the $2m expansion would help provide pathways for even more young people to the resources sector.

“The resources sector is critical to Queensland’s economy and as it continues to grow, we need to make sure we develop the pipeline of talent the industry needs now and into the future,” she said.

“This expansion over three years will see the program reach up to 10,000 additional students and will also transition into primary schools.”

QMEA currently has a network of 100 schools and directly engages with up to 6000 students each year.

Mining is currently the state’s most dominant industry, employing more than 81,000 people, 60% of which live in rural areas, and contributing more than $120b to the Queensland economy annually.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Janette Hewson says the investment into QMEA will develop a talent pipeline for a future workforce in the resources sector.

“One of our biggest challenges is attracting and retaining a skilled workforce which is critical for the industry as a whole and the regional communities in which they operate,” she said.