College students to access hydrogen industry opportunities

CRAIG WINTER

FOLLOWING on from the State Government’s push to promote hydrogen as a new power source, local St Mary’s College students are to be given access to hydrogen industry opportunities.

The Hydrogen Gateway to Industry schools program will see more than 2000 students at 32 high schools across Queensland provided pathways to good, secure jobs in the emerging hydrogen industry statewide.

Energy Skills Queensland will deliver the $800,000 program, promising to equip students with the “skills they need to participate in the green hydrogen industry”.

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

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

Local MP Bruce Saunders said that Queensland’s hydrogen industry alone is expected to grow by $19 billion, expected to support 10,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2040.

“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.”

The initiative also offers 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.

“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 another way our city is capitalising on economic development opportunities, so that we continue to grow and thrive in the future.”.”

More information can be found at: https://desbt.qld. gov.au/training/employers/ gateway-schools