Anne Smith from the Division of University Relations and Engineering Faculty member David Jorgensen attended the two-day Emerald expo, along with local campus staff.

The Rockhampton visitors promoted CQU's new mining cadetship program and CQU Emerald campus received a positive response to local courses.

CQU has introduced the mining cadetship, which is a unique on-the-job education program designed to increase career opportunities, ensure sustainability and enhance mining operations across the state and throughout Australia.

The program was developed in response to the growing needs of the coal industry, government agencies and Central Queensland communities.

The University’s initiation of the Mining Cadetship Program means there is an education pathway from post-secondary and tertiary study into mine management for both underground and open cut mining.

CQU is also part of a new cluster of private and public organisations ready to claim leadership in the export of mine safety training.

Queensland Safety Services, is made up of seven organisations based in Rockhampton, Emerald and Mackay, as well as Brisbane.

Each of the partners specialises in different aspects of mine safety and mine management training and some already have export track records. The cluster will provide increased bargaining power when tendering for major mining safety training jobs.

Photo: CQU Emerald staff member Kellie Powell helps field queries at the Emerald Mining Expo.