Investing in Queensland students for resources jobs of the future

An Ayr workshop is showcasing the benefits of a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related career in resources for regional students.

Visiting Ayr State High School for a STEM Unearthed workshop, organised by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the event was about showcasing the exciting opportunities that await students in the resources sector.

“The resources industry is a key part of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and has remained strong during the global pandemic,” Mr Stewart said.

“This is a sector that provides career opportunities across a range of trades, science, technology, engineering and more, so it’s great to see hands-on and technical workshops demonstrating the many prospects that lay ahead for our students.

“According to the Queensland Resources Council there are about 84,000 resource workers in Queensland throughout the state, and this highly skilled workforce helps our state generate about $44 billion in resources exports each year.”

Mr Stewart said it was exciting to return as Resources Minister to Ayr State High School, where he was acting principal in 2006.

“Queensland is globally renowned for its highly skilled and innovative resources sector,” Mr Stewart said.

“The resources sector is vital to the North Queensland economy, and it is a highly-skilled and diversified workforce which will further our economic recovery and cement our place as a global resources leader.

“There are many opportunities for the kids in our classrooms today to secure a career in the industry, and that’s what the QMEA event is all about.”

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said STEM skills are vitally important in the highly technologically advanced resources sector.

“Through this workshop, students will gain a better understanding of the types of STEM-related career pathways that are available to them in the resource sector,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“There is a shortage of skilled resources workers in Queensland right now so I strongly encourage young people to consider a career in resources.”

A team from Evolution Mining Mount Carlton, south of Ayr, took the time to give their knowledge to the students as part of the workshop.

“We are proud supporters of the QMEA and we can see that these workshops are successful in encouraging more students into resources-related careers and are an important way we can support the community where we operate,” said Evolution Mining Mt Carlton General Manager Anton Kruger.

“This event is targeted at those students who are on a STEM pathway, which could potentially lead them into roles such as chemical engineering, geology, metallurgy, and environmental engineering.”

ENDS

Media contact: Chris Lees, 0434 859 940