First-year engineering students of CQUniversity Mackay participated in the Energy for the Future workshop, held as part of the Queensland Mining Expo at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre recently (July 29).

The workshop, now in its third year, was hosted by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with support from CQUniversity.

Students discuss their energy options

Students from a number of schools in and around Mackay were presented with the complex challenges of supplying low-emission energy. The workshop was designed so students could consider the challenges around energy provision to a number of countries around the world.

The school students were assisted by first-year engineering students from CQUniversity, who played the role of ‘energy experts'.

The high school students had a two-part presentation, which included a pitch and facilitated debate. In addition to enabling an increased understanding of the different energy technologies, the task provided the students with a number of elements to consider, including time management, budgeting and engagment of external consultants.

CQUniversity Mackay Engineering Lecturer Arun Patil facilitated the participation by first-year engineering students at the workshop.

"The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for CQUniversity students to learn key engineering professional skills." he said.

"It also helped students become exposed to various energy technologies and their potential, via their engagement with high school students and industry stakeholders."

CQUniversity staff and students helped to facilitate the workshop

The debate was facilitated by Brendan Donnelly, Lecturer in Engineering (Mining) at CQUniversity Mackay.

This gave the students further opportunity to promote and defend their energy technology. All the students participated well and brought different skills and knowledge to their groups.

The workshop was highly successful and superbly coordinated by the QMEA Project Officer, Louise Wilcox.