This month marks 20 years since Premier Peter Beattie stood at a press conference in November 2005 and announced a bold new initiative to tackle skills shortages in Queensland’s booming resources sector.
Launched with 18 schools and three hubs at Moranbah, Gladstone and Mount Isa, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) was part of the State Government’s Gateway to Industry Schools Program and a flagship Smart State initiative.
“The initiative was designed to capture the hearts and minds of students to encourage them to take up careers in the minerals and energy sector,” Premier Beattie said at the time.
The idea was simple but powerful.
With demand for Queensland’s resources booming, especially from China, the industry needed a new generation of skilled workers. The QMEA would provide students with direct access to career pathways through hands-on experiences, work placements and industry-led curriculum. Without it, then Premier Beattie warned, Queensland risked losing thousands of potential jobs and the economic benefits they could deliver.
By July 2006 the Gladstone hub had launched, followed by Moranbah in August. The rapid expansion reflected the urgency of the challenge and the strength of support from both government and industry.
Two decades on, the QMEA has engaged more than 65,000 students and is now recognised as one of Australia’s most successful industry-led education initiatives.
Its model remains the same: connect the classroom to the real world, spark curiosity, and open doors for students who might never have considered a career in resources.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Janette Hewson said the QMEA’s success over the past two decades was worthy of celebration.
“Thousands of Queenslanders have been inspired to join the resources sector after engaging with the QMEA at school,” Janette said.
“The QMEA offers something special, creating a bridge from the curriculum to the real-world, delivered in partnership with industry experts.
“After a QMEA workshop, the students are leaving with greater trade and STEM skills and a deeper understanding of our industry.
“But most importantly, they are gaining powerful career insights which are having an impact. We know students from QMEA schools are twice as likely to apply for a resources apprenticeship and they are more likely to undertake STEM studies at University.
“This great for the students and great for the future of our industry.”
The QMEA’s impact is more than numbers. Research shows that students from QMEA schools are twice as likely to pursue an apprenticeship in the resources sector and more likely to go on to engineering or technology degrees at university. Teachers also benefit, with industry-aligned professional development and curriculum support that brings STEM and trade subjects to life.
Foundation partner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has supported the QMEA from day one and was the gold sponsor of this year’s 20-year awards in Brisbane. BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said celebrating two decades of the QMEA is a proud moment.
“As a foundation partner, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact QMEA has had on students, educators, and communities across Queensland.
“QMEA is an investment in the future of our industry and the regions we call home. Together we’ve built a talent pipeline that reflects the diversity, innovation, and resilience of our sector.”
For students, the opportunities have been life changing. At the opening of the Mackay hub earlier this year, Mackay State High School student Amy Harlow shared her story and spoke about the wider impact of the program.
“Thanks to QMEA, I’ve discovered my passion for electrical work and my goal is to become a high-voltage electrician. It has opened doors I didn’t even know were there,” Amy said.
“From the first trade and STEM workshops I attended to the leadership opportunities I gained through the ambassador program, I’ve felt supported, inspired and motivated to chase my goals.
“QMEA doesn’t just talk about careers, it helps you experience them. It connects students with mentors and employers, and it means more young people will stay local, build careers locally, and contribute to the future of the industry right here in Queensland.”
Her words echo the experience of thousands of students who have walked through QMEA programs since 2005.
What began as a program focused on regional hubs has also reached into South East Queensland, with students there now exploring careers that could take them to regional towns and mining communities. The QMEA has not only bridged the gap between schools and industry, but also between city and country, encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue opportunities in resources.
From its origins in the early 2000s as a way to respond to a boom, through to today’s focus on innovation and future skills, the QMEA has remained true to its mission.
And as industry leaders, educators and students gathered recently to celebrate its 20th anniversary, one thing was clear. The story of the QMEA is not just about history, it is about the next generation of tradespeople, engineers and leaders who will carry the resources industry into the future.
| QMEA 20 year award recipients QMEA Student Awards Henry McGrath – Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mt Isa Laith McKenzie, Tec-NQ, Townsville Madeline Renwick, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, Brisbane QMEA School Awards Moranbah State High School Wavell State High School Glenala State High School (Rising Star School) Oresome Alumni (University student) Awards Caitlin Boothby Abby Vanden Bergh Zoe Bodle Keely McConnell Powerful Teacher Awards Sally Munns, Pioneer State High School Nathan O’Donnell, Mansfield State High School Industry Champion Awards Roxanne O’Donnell Rhiannon McCasker Trent Bawden Laurie McDonnell Shane Whalley Foundation Partner Awards Anglo American BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Glencore Queensland Metals |
