Maryborough’s St Mary’s College selected for Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools program

A Maryborough high school has been selected to take part in a $800,000 industry program to prepare for a jobs-rich future. Find out what it means for students.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the state’s hydrogen would support 10,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2040.

Maryborough’s St Mary’s College is one of 32 schools across the state selected to participate in the Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools program.

The industry-led program broadens science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics knowledge to help students access future skills and opportunities in the hydrogen industry.

Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, said the state’s hydrogen industry was expected to grow by $19 billion and would support 10,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2040.

More than 2000 students will benefit over the next three years, thanks to more than $800,000 in funding from the State Government.

“In addition to the 800 local jobs already being supported by our Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Maryborough will benefit from work in the growing hydrogen industry,” he said.

“I want to see locals equipped with the skills they need to access that good, secure work in the hydrogen industry.

“That’s why I am delighted to see our local St Mary’s College participating in the Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools Program.

“This program means professional development for our local teachers in the STEAM sector, as well as pathways to emerging careers in the hydrogen industry for local students.

“It’s just another way our city is capitalising on economic development opportunities, so that we continue to grow and thrive in the decades to come.”

From production, to engineering, storage, distribution and exporting, the program offers various opportunities for schools to become involved.

The industry-led program broadens science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics knowledge to help students access future skills and opportunities in the hydrogen industry.

The initiative will also offer teachers professional development to ensure they’re supported with industry knowledge to give context to STEAM education.

The broader Gateway Industry to Schools program takes in industries including Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Screen and Media, Agribusiness and more.

In 2022, across all 11 industries, nearly 31,000 students participated in the program which is offered through nearly 600 partnerships with state, independent and catholic schools Queensland wide.

Further information:

The Gateway Industry to Schools Partnership expansion to include hydrogen complements the Queensland Government’s $50 million investment in hydrogen and renewable energy training infrastructure.