Strong student numbers in STEM subjects, as electricians to engineers needed with global demand

As world-leading investments in science, engineering and technology grow in North Queensland, James Cook University have seen a ten per cent increase since 2022 in the number of students enrolling in STEM courses.

JCU alumni relations co-ordinator Alex Salvador outside the university's Science Innovations Place. Picture: Evan Morgan

Future Townsville is a series launched by The Townsville Bulletin today which will explore the sector’s outlook in Queensland and showcase the economic, employment and innovation it brings to the state. The series, running over the next eight days, is supported by S. Kidman, Bravus, Port of Townsville, Aurizon, Queensland Resources Council, Sun Metals, Ark Energy and Urbis.
As world-leading investments in science, engineering and technology grow in North Queensland, James Cook University have seen a ten per cent increase since 2022 in the number of students enrolling in STEM courses.

A JCU spokesperson said the strong demand for courses and subjects highlights the critical role of education in driving innovation and economic growth in the North.

“STEM-qualified graduates are crucial to helping to address our region’s challenges including growing the renewable energy sector, protecting our natural environments, and managing our water resources,” the spokesperson said.

Clermont and Capella high school students gathered at Capella State High School on July 28 to take part in a range of workshops run by Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, in partnership with Glencore, allowing students to try skills used in a range of trades.

In 2024, the university opened it’s state-of-the-art Engineering and Innovation Place worth $100 million.

The building features 23 lab spaces, a workshop, multimodal studio, conference rooms and an industry engagement and garage space.

“STEM education is a strategic investment in the region’s future,” the university said.

“By addressing local challenges, supporting key industries, providing advanced educational opportunities, promoting inclusivity, and fostering collaboration, STEM education plays a crucial role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for Northern Queensland.”

With the boom in the resources sector, the Queensland Resources Council are championing their Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), which delivers STEM and trade workshops in 100 schools across Queensland, with six in North Queensland.

Janette Hewson QRC Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Resources Council annual lunch, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

More than 6200 students were involved in QMEA programs last year, which is jointly funded by the Queensland state government and a membership-based annual levy from the Queensland Resources Council.

Chief executive Janette Hewson said the resources sector needs more skilled labour and it is estimated another 30,000 workers will be needed by the end of the decade to meet the global demand for coal, gas and critical minerals.

“Initiatives like QMEA help to create a pipeline of talent which will play a big role in our future and global energy mix,” she said.

“The sector offers a diverse range of professional and trade career opportunities to young people from engineers to electricians.”

High School graduates are shifting towards degrees in STEM. Picture: Supplied

Ms Hewson said statistics showed that students from QMEA schools are more likely to continue their studies into engineering compared to non-QMEA schools.

She said it was also encouraging to see that female students from QMEA schools are also more likely to enter an apprenticeship in the mining industry, as are Indigenous students.

“Young people in North Queensland, like the rest of the state, are keen to pursue a

career in an industry where they can make a difference while also gaining financial and

professional rewards,” Ms Hewson said.

Townsville Tec-NQ student Lincoln Anderson won the Exceptional Indigenous Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy student of the year award in 2022.

“As North Queenslanders many students have a high exposure to the resources sector

due to mining operations in the region – from coal to metals and critical minerals

needed for our future.”

This article is part of the FUTURE TOWNSVILLE series, which was supported by S. Kidman, Bravus, Port of Townsville, Aurizon, Queensland Resources Council, Sun Metals, Ark Energy and Urbis.

Originally published as Strong student numbers in STEM subjects, as electricians to engineers needed with global demand