While some schools are winding down in their last week of the year, Nanango SHS students will dedicate this time to learning more about possible career pathways into the resource sector as part of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) Career Café program, managed by the Queensland Resources Council and being hosted at the school tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 Dec).

The QMEA works with students between years 7 and 12 to assist young people in developing a talent pipeline in to the minerals and energy sector. The Career Cafes bring education and industry together to show students the real world application of their classroom learning.

More than 200 hundred years 8 and 9 students will hear from industry representatives from Downer EDI and Stanwell’s Tarong Power Station.

Dave Waddell, Operations Manager and SSE of Downer EDI Mining’s Meandu Mine will join Rob Woodall, Production Maintenance Manager, Generation Operations, Stanwell -Tarong Power Station to discuss their own stories from school to the world of mining and energy production.

QMEA Senior Project Officer Tammy Grady said the Career Cafés help steer students towards their career goals.

‘Not everyone’s career and study pathway is the same, and with year 12 students recently graduating, now is a good time for younger students to start thinking about careers that might appeal to them,’ Ms Grady said.

With most students having a connection to either Meandu or Tarong Power Station, the Career Café will allow students to gain a clearer picture of the opportunities that exist with the two companies and how they can be on the payroll in four or five years’ time.

QMEA Key Teacher and Nanango Chemistry and Mathematics Teacher, Brenden McDonnell said the Career Café provides Stanwell and Downer an opportunity to speak personally with the students.

‘As they are such large employers in the region, I’m sure there will be lots of discussions and valuable information being shared,’ Mr McDonnell said.

The QMEA is a ‘virtual’ academy of 34 state and private school across Queensland, which aims to bring young people into long-term and rewarding careers in the resources sector. It is a partnership between the Queensland Government, the Queensland Resources Council and the education and training sector.

Queensland Resources Council Release, 8 Dec 2014