The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) Toolkit 4 SchoolKids workshop, held at the Hastings Deering Learning Centre this week, enabled students to experience innovative technology in practice in the resources sector.

Hastings Deering’s Manager of Learning Chris Amos said his team was thrilled to provide this opportunity to 25 engineering and VET pathway students from QMEA schools across Brisbane.

“The Learning Centre provides a unique environment where students can get up close and personal with Caterpillar equipment, see how its serviced and repaired and how technology enabled solutions deliver improved productivity to our customers in the resources and construction industries,” he said.

The day included students completing practical hands-on activities using equipment at the state-of–the-art training facility and observing automation in practice through exposure to the remote operating centre that monitors all Hastings Deering equipment across Queensland.

Mechatronics and design engineers and diesel fitters were on-hand to work with students and talk about their roles and pathways into the sector.

QMEA Director Katrina-Lee Jones said: “The resources sector is a leader in technological innovation. Experiences such as these can inspire students to make informed subject and career decisions while showcasing the opportunities in the sector and other related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries.”