Five Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools are preparing to shape the future of the hydrogen industry in Queensland - expected to grow by $19 billion by 2040.
Chosen among 27 secondary schools in the Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools program are St Columban’s College Caboolture, Southern Cross Catholic College Woody Point, Unity College Caloundra West, Trinity College Beenleigh, and St Mary’s College Maryborough.
As part of the program, delivered by Energy Skills Queensland, BCE students will be exposed to a range of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) learning experiences from engineering to distribution and exporting, providing the students with hydrogen career pathway opportunities.
“Students will learn skills of the future,” said Principal of St Columban’s College Caboolture Michael Connolly of the program,
“Australia is experiencing a significant shift in the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, evoking discussion around the need to educate graduates who are equipped with an understanding of renewable energy sources, such as green hydrogen.
“We don’t know what industries will exist in the future, so it’s important we stay ahead of the curve and take that leap of faith when innovative programs like this arise.
“Looking towards the future, it is clear there will be great demand for jobs within the hydrogen energy sector, and we want to ensure our graduates are prepared for the careers of tomorrow.”
“With direct access to resources and industry professionals, the program will benefit our students by broadening their knowledge of the hydrogen industry,” he said.
“So far, the Queensland Government Gateway to Industry Programs has been beneficial to both our students and staff who are gaining vital industry knowledge in areas such as Health and Aerospace. We expect the Hydrogen program to be as advantageous.
“The program will also provide our teachers the opportunity to undertake professional learning which in turn will support critical thinking and scientific research within our classrooms.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government to create a better, brighter future for our students.”
St Columban’s College teacher Simone Buckingham said the program will open many doors for Queensland students.
“From careers in trades and construction to jobs as project managers and engineers, this program will provide our students with a broader range of skills and training pathways before they’ve even finished school,” she said.
“By participating in this program, we can contribute to the pipeline of skilled and adaptable graduates needed for Queensland’s hydrogen industry and increase student engagement within the renewable energy sector.
“As a school of the Catholic faith, this program also helps our College answer Pope Francis’ call to ‘Care for Our Common Home’ as we all continue to work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of providing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”
By 2040 green hydrogen could support about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs as part of the Queensland Government’s energy and jobs plan.
For more information about St Columban’s College Caboolture click here.