School kids inspired about resources careers

Hundreds of North Queensland schoolkids got hands-on with resources and energy careers through an interactive primary school engagement program, delivered by Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA. Having already visited schools across five states and reaching almost 5000 kids nationally in 2019-2020, the Bright Future STEM program last week arrived in Townsville. Thanks to local resource companies Minjar Gold, Eagle Drilling and Ravenswood Gold, the program inspired students at Townsville Central and Belgian Gardens state schools. The Bright Future STEM program brings to life Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects through a series of stimulating activities and industry role models, all linking STEM back to real jobs in the resources and energy industry. Students learned through AMMA’s core STEM activities – Meet Edison (robotics / automation), Turing Tumbles (computer coding), Snap Circuits (electrical circuitry) and Virtual Reality headsets, which provide an immersive 360-degree experience within mining and oil and gas operations. “Bright Future STEM is all about engaging schoolkids on STEM areas of study and building awareness of the diverse careers that can be found within the resources and energy industry,” AMMA Director Operations Tara Diamond said. “In North Queensland the resources and energy industry is a key contributor to jobs and the economy – it was great to build further awareness and understanding of the sector, and highlight the rewarding careers unlocked to students by studying STEM. “Students learned firsthand about the array of career pathways from local industry role models who shared their own journey and why they love working in the sector. “We continue to be delighted by the positive response and engagement from students and teachers as we roll out the Bright Future STEM program, and Townsville was no different.” Ms Diamond said industry role models play a critical role in the Bright Future STEM program, especially female role models to help breakdown gender stereotypes and inspire schoolgirls to follow a passion for STEM. “It’s important to have female role models ignite a passion for STEM in girls, empowering them to pursue STEM studies and take advantage of the many opportunities for jobs of the future,” she said. “Research shows that STEM engagement is too often focused on high school students – a point at which it may be too late. At this stage students – especially girls – typically have already made decisions about the subjects they will pursue further. “Bright Future STEM engages children in STEM at an early age, usually 9-12 years old, to pique an interest in our sector and the diversity of jobs available from choosing to study STEM subjects.”

School kids inspired about resources careers

Industry Queensland

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