CQUniversity Emerald careers expo on Friday, May 20

Planning for future employment is a hot topic across the Central Highlands and Coalfields, with students recently put through their paces in a workshop and a careers expo planned for Emerald. Full details here.

Last year's CQUniversity's Emerald career expo.

A careers exhibition will be held Friday at the Emerald CQUniversity campus.

The event, to be held from 10.30am-3pm, is hosted by the university and will include 37 displays varying from IT to health, mining, electrical, agriculture, engineering, Queensland Government, service, hospitality and community support.

CQUniversity associate vice president of Rockhampton and Central Highlands Regions, Kim Harrington said the number of exhibitions and students this year had increased from last year, with roughly 700 students from across the region predicted to come.

“The Emerald Careers Expo gives not only young people, but also those interested in a career change or upskilling, the opportunity to come and meet with people who work in these industries and gain a first-hand account of their experiences,” Ms Harrington said.

“There will also be some interesting, interactive displays.

“CQUniversity Auto Heavy (Diesel Fitting) teacher Brian Barney will have cutaway engine models on show, where he can demonstrate their internal workings.

“It’s very exciting to be hosting the expo once again and we look forward to welcoming visitors from throughout the Central Highlands and as far away as Longreach.”

Prizes including toolkits, Airpods, and an Officeworks voucher will be given away to those attending the event.

There will also be live entertainment with local singer Gypsy Brunker performing.

Planning for future careers has been on the radar for students and residents right across the Central Highlands and Coalfields recently.

For local high school students at Capella and Clermont State High Schools, the Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) hosted a “Tradies for a Day workshop” last week.

On Wednesday, May 11, 20 students were shown the ropes a career in the resources field by Glencore Coal.

Director of Skills, Education and Diversity with the QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Katrina-Lee Jones, said the year 10 students were taken with the welding in particular and got to have a go at different things in a safe environment.

“The biggest hit with the students today was experiencing state-of-the-art virtual welder training technology,” Ms Jones said.

“Thanks to Welding Australia, students tested their welding skills in a safe learning environment, enabling them to trial one of the most in-demand roles in the resources sector.”

Capella State High School principal Gerowyn Lacaze was happy the school was hosting its second QMEA workshop in the space of a fortnight.

“As educators, it’s critical we help prepare our students for life after high school,” Ms Lacaze said.

“The fantastic thing about QMEA programs is the alignment of exciting, hands-on workshop tasks with the national science, technology, engineering, and maths curriculum.

“Integrating fun activities with learning outcomes can enhance educational experiences for students, and Capella State High School is proud of its ongoing partnership with the QMEA.”

The QMEA presently works with more than 90 schools and is a partnership between industry and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

The Academy places an emphasis on indigenous and female participation in professional and vocational jobs.

"Tradies for a day workshop".

Originally published as CQUniversity Emerald careers expo on Friday, May 20