'Oresome' futures for Queensland students were highlighted at a gala event at the Queensland Museum last night.
More than 100 teachers and guidance officers from throughout the state flocked to the museum for the launch by Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick of 'Oresome Futures', which aims to attract more young people to the resources and mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sectors.
Minister Dick said Queensland's METS industry is a world leader.
"That's why the Palaszckuk Government is investing in METS, as one of our priority industry sectors," he said.
"This is a sector where innovative thinking and hard work are in high demand and where people can make a real difference.
BHP Billiton MitsubishiAlliance (BMA) Asset President James Palmer said BMA was very pleased to be a key partner.
"It's a fitting venue as it promotes curiosity and we want our teachers, guidance officers and ultimately students to unleash their curiosity about careers in our sector," he said.
"Research by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) shows that direct contact with students is the best way to promote career options and these innovative resources provide teachers and offices the tools they need to steer students towards these careers.
"This suite of career resources includes a hard copy publication, an online interactive program and 20 videos of young people who have already taken up careers in our sector.
"Our sector is at the pointy end of technology and innovation so it's important for us to ensure that we have high-calibre people seeking careers with us.
"It's very pleasing to see that teachers and guidance officers are attending from as far afield as Mount Isa and Moranbah, Dysart, Blackwater, Moura and Townsville."
Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council Ian Macfarlane said the MCA research also demonstrated that young people had very little knowledge of the resources sector or the careers it offers.
"In fact, 59 percent of those surveyed had no knowledge at all in this regard. I'm sure that these resources will go a long way in bridging that knowledge gap," he said.
"These new resources also reinforce the commitment of QRC, through its education arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), to securing a pipeline of talent to our sector."
The 'Oresome Futures' event will feature a panel of industry experts who will provide valuable information to participants on skills needed in the dynamic and innovative resources sector.
The 'Oresome Futures' resource has been made possible through a grant from the Queensland Government.
