Bowen High students unlock ‘export level’ at Abbot Point

Abbot Point Operations (APO) has taken a group of Bowen State High School students on a deep dive into the operations of Australia’s most northern deepwater export port.

The year seven students participated in a two-day learning experience at Bowen’s North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) gaining a fascinating insight into the stages of resources production and learning how the terminal plays a vital part in the pit-to-port process.

The learnings from the site tour were then applied at a school ‘Pit to Port’ workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council.

Bowen State High School principal Robert Harris said the two-day program was a special educational experience for the students.

“I’d like to thank Abbot Point Operations for making the workshop and excursion possible as it gave the students a real insight into the various stages involved in production and distribution, which plays such a big part in our community and economy,” he said.

Abbot Point Operations general manager – port operations Allan Brown said the QMEA program reinforces APO’s commitment to local employment and skills development.

“Queensland’s resources industry has a bright future, continuing to provide thermal and metallurgical coal to the world.”

“The North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) plays a pivotal role in the industry, working alongside renewables to provide affordable and reliable energy solutions.

“This means that the NQXT will be operating safely and responsibly for many years, contributing to the economic and social opportunities for Bowen and the Whitsundays.

“The work we do requires a variety of skills and the QMEA program is a great way for the next generation to understand the resources industry and the different career options and pathways that exist within our business, right here in the local community.”

QRC director of skills, education and diversity Katrina-Lee Jones said it was a two-day adventure of discovery.

“After the site tour, the students will be working with members of the APO team to complete a series of challenges in the QMEA’s Pit to Port workshop back at school,” she said.

“They will complete tasks examining activities like train scheduling, ship load capacity, harbour planning and environmental safety.

“By the end of the two-day experience they will have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to safely and efficiently operate a big-scale coal export terminal.”

APO collaborates with organisations like the Queensland Resources Council encourage and support STEM and trade careers pathways for local students.