Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA)
The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) which provides a talent pipeline of employees into the resources sector and other supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries.
QMEA activities are structured across 3 phases:
- Stimulating Interest and Making Connections (Years 7–8)
- Informing Decisions and Influencing Pathways (Years 9–10)
- Challenging and Preparing (Years 11–12).
Opportunities and events
- Teacher professional development is offered by QMEA staff and third-party innovation partners.
- Students can participate in part day, whole day and extended experiences, including the annual 6 day camps offered in various locations across Queensland.
- Students and teachers are engaged in both trade and professional programs which focus on STEM-related areas, aligning to the Australian and Queensland curricula where practical.
Teachers and students also have access to a range of specially developed and contextualised curriculum and teaching resources through Oresome Resources, the QRCs education website.
Manufacturing
& engineering
The Manufacturing and Engineering Gateway to Industry Schools project encourages sustainable partnerships between industry, government and community to build Queensland's manufacturing and engineering workforce for the future. The project aims to increase awareness of manufacturing careers and prepare students for the evolving demands of the industry.
Manufacturing is the transformative process of converting raw materials into finished products or assembling components to create new items—this means the project covers a range of exciting and dynamic areas. The project offers a range of experiences to broaden science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) knowledge and develop best practice models of pipelining talent to advanced manufacturing sub-industries, including:
- aerospace and defence
- chemicals, hydrocarbons and refining
- food and beverage
- furniture and other products
- meat and seafood processing
- general manufacturing and engineering
- pharmaceutical and medical technology
- polymers, plastic and rubber
- printing and graphic arts
- pulp, paper and packaging
- renewables
- textiles, clothing and footwear
- timber and wood
- transport, equipment and machinery.
This project develops best practice models connecting young people, teachers and their schools with various advanced manufacturing sub-industries.
Schools and students
This project offers students a unique opportunity to explore diverse career paths in advanced manufacturing through:
- exposure to various manufacturing sub-industries listed above
- hands-on experience and virtual reality opportunities
- access to industry-relevant learning and training
- opportunities for school-based traineeships or apprenticeships
- development of STEAM knowledge and skills.
Teachers
Teachers benefit from comprehensive support and resources to enhance their ability to guide students towards promising careers in advanced manufacturing through:
- professional development focused on traditional and contemporary manufacturing practices
- access to teaching resources aligned with advanced manufacturing sub-industries
- opportunities to stay current with industry trends and career information
- industry tours for first-hand knowledge of manufacturing processes
- networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Manufacturing employers
Industry partners play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce by actively engaging with students and teachers through various initiatives, such as:
- opportunities to influence and develop future talent in advanced manufacturing
- engaging with students through talks and presentations
- hosting school-to-industry tours showcasing real-world manufacturing environments
- providing mentoring programs for teachers
- connecting with schools to offer work experience placements
- collaborating on vocational education and training opportunities.
Automotive
The Automotive GISP will be delivered through the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The program is currently being developed for implementation in 2026.
The Automotive Gateway to Industry Schools (GISP) project encourages sustainable partnerships between industry, Government, and community to build Queensland's automotive future workforce. The project aims to increase awareness of automotive careers and prepare students for the evolving demands of the industry.
Today's rapidly growing automotive industry encompasses various career pathways, covering everything from working with internal combustion engines, paint and panel repairs, and selling cars and motorcycles, to the electrification and automation of vehicles, which is bringing about a vast range of opportunities for young people looking to drive positive change in the industry
The project covers a wide range of exciting areas and provides students with hands-on experience, industry exposure, and real-world learning opportunities. It also develops best-practice pathways for preparing young people for careers in automotive industries, including:
- light vehicle mechanical technology
- heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology
- electric and hybrid vehicle technology
- motorsport and performance engineering
- vehicle body and paint refinishing
- auto-electrical and diagnostic systems
- automotive parts and aftermarket services
- agricultural equipment technology
- engine reconditioning
- and many more.
This project develops best practice models connecting young people, teachers, and their schools with a wider range of automotive industries.
Schools and students
This project offers students a unique opportunity to explore diverse career paths in automotive through:
- exposure to a variety of automotive industry experiences
- access to industry-relevant learning and training resources
- opportunities for school-based traineeships or apprenticeships.
Teachers
Teachers benefit from comprehensive support and resources to enhance their ability to guide students toward promising careers in the automotive industry:
- professional development focused on traditional and emerging automotive technologies
- access to resources aligned with automotive industries
- opportunities to stay current with industry trends and career pathways
- industry tours for first-hand knowledge of automotive operations and processes
- networking opportunities with automotive professionals.
Automotive employers
Industry partners play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce by actively engaging with students and teachers through various initiatives, such as:
- opportunities to influence and develop future talent in automotive careers
- engaging with students through talks, workshops, and presentations
- connecting with schools to offer work experience placements.