Despite reports of major job losses in the industry, employment in Queensland’s resources sector is still at near record levels, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said.
The QRC will this year invest in a record number of engineering scholarships at the State’s universities in an effort to combat a skills shortage in the industry and plan for the future, QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.
“The QRC believes future opportunities for young people in the resources sector remain undiminished,” he said.
Through existing scholarship holders the QRC has close links with a group of 17 undergraduate engineering and science students from across Queensland who act as ambassadors for the resources sector.
“The QRC is proud to assist such high-quality students at the starting point of their careers in the resources sector,” Roche said.
“The students themselves tell us that the scholarships offer so much more than just money.
“They bring with them opportunities to create lasting relationships with people in resources sector companies, to gain practical experience and to build a profile within the sector from their very first year at university.”