Year 10 students from Central Queensland high schools became tradies for a day at workshops to learn more about resources sector trades, including auto electrics, mechanics, pneumatics and technical drawing.
The workshops – attended by male and female students from Mackay SHS, Sarina SHS, Pioneer SHS and Mackay Northern Beaches SHS – formed part of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) ‘Tradies for a Day’ experience, supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
Mentored by industry representatives from BHP and BMA, students received a practical taste of trades and heard about the growing number of career opportunities available to young people in the region.
QMEA’s Manager of Skills and Education, Matthew Heskett, said the workshops come at a time when skilled trades people are in short supply.
“This means we need our students to consider trade careers to ensure we have the skilled people we need into the future,” he said.
“Our schools play an important role in encouraging students into these trade and STEM pathways.”
BMA’s Asset President James Palmer said the workshops were a valuable opportunity to excite and inspire the next generation of resources sector leaders.
“The resources sector is playing a big part in addressing some of the world’s most serious challenges, like climate change and the drive to raise global living standards,” he said.
“Our people loved the chance to pass on the sense of excitement and passion – and purpose – that they feel working in the industry. These hands-on workshops are a fantastic way to kick-start a career in mining and resources.”
As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills 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 VET and STEM-related careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation.
The QMEA currently engages with 80 schools and is a partnership with the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.
QMEA is a highly successful program placing students onto pathways into the resources sector and other science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries.
The academy is a partnership between the resources sector and the Queensland Government through the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.
