Local students unearthing resources career paths with QMEA
Students from Spinifex State College and Good Shepherd Catholic College in Mount Isa, along with Townsville’s Kirwan State High School, recently took part in a series of engaging workshops run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA). These sessions were aimed at inspiring young people to consider careers in trades or STEM within the resources sector.
Supported by Glencore, the program gave Year 10 students the opportunity to participate in STEM Unearthed workshops. These explored how emerging technologies are transforming the way minerals are discovered, mined, and processed, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
At Kirwan SHS, Year 8 students got a taste of the underground world through the Treasures of the Earth workshop, a hands-on session that introduced them to the science of geology and the hidden minerals beneath the surface.
Among the industry professionals involved was Wal Woodland, Senior Environmental Advisor at Glencore’s Townsville Operations. Wal guided students through the copper refining process, linking their classroom copper extraction activity to real-world mining operations.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to share my own journey and help students see the wide range of career opportunities in the resources industry,” Wal said.
-
Wal Woodland, Senior Environmental Advisor at our Townsville Operations, guided Kirwan State High School students through a hands-on copper extraction activity.
-
Olly Clements, Engineer-Mining at George Fisher Mine with students from Spinifex State College.
-
Students from Spinifex State College and Good Shepherd Catholic College participated in the STEM Unearthed workshops in Mount Isa.
-
Next generation scientists and resources professionals at the STEM Unearthed workshops.
Olly Clements, an Engineer at Mount Isa Mines’ George Fisher Mine, also contributed to the Mount Isa-based workshops. Olly led practical lab sessions where students separated rocks and performed mineral extraction, replicating real minerals processing activities from operating mines.
“It’s important to balance introducing students to the mining industry with keeping the activities engaging and interactive,” Olly noted.
Kate Sutton, Coordinator Pathway Programs for Mount Isa Mines, says the QMEA program is essential for encouraging young people to consider careers in the resources sector, while ensuring students make informed career decisions.
“The workshops are valuable in demonstrating the wide range of careers available in the sector, while attracting the next generation of tradespeople and professionals,” she said.
“We’re committed to providing real and meaningful career pathways into the resources sector for students.”
-
Wal Woodland, Senior Environmental Advisor at our Townsville Operations, and Kirwan State High School students.
-
The workshops encourage students to consider careers in roles that are experiencing skill shortages like engineers, hydrologists, surveyors and mobile plant technicians.
-
Students from Townsville’s Kirwin State High School enjoyed spending time in the laboratory.
-
Year 8 students from Kirwan State High School participated in an interactive workshop, exploring the minerals hidden beneath the earth’s surface in a Treasures of the Earth workshop.
Glencore and the QMEA have partnered with local schools in the region for many years, ensuring support for resources sector talent pipeline programs for Mount Isa and Townsville students and further throughout Queensland.
Katrina-Lee Jones, Policy Director for the Queensland Resources Council said the workshops give real-world context to the school curriculum.
“These workshops open the students minds to the role resources play in our community and in creating future energy solutions,” said Ms Jones.
“They help guide young people into the roles that are experiencing skill shortages like engineers, hydrologists, surveyors and mobile plant technicians.”