ENGINEER IN THE MAKING
A KIRWAN State High School student has been named Exceptional Indigenous QMEA Student at this year’s Queensland Resources Council’s Indigenous Awards.
QMEA is the education arm of the QRC with government to teach kids STEM and trades.
Year 12 student Jayden Uiduldam is a young indigenous leader at Kirwan High and in the Clontarf Academy for young indigenous boys.
This forms part of the school’s “Closing the Gap” agenda and aims at re- engagement of indigenous youth within education.
Jayden triumphed in the Exceptional Indigenous Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy ( QMEA) award.
Queensland Resources Council ( QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the student was a bright young man who had excelled in all areas of his school work.
“Most impressive is his ongoing commitment to share his knowledge with other students in the classroom,” he said.
Jayden is passionate about the engineering trades, initially undertaking work experience in Year 10, within the engineering sector.
The student attended a QMEA event and then applied to join the Trade Training Program, becoming a wonderful representative.
Jacob is also a part of the Trade Training Program at school, an elite program for young people who have an interest in working within the engineering sector.
Having participated in engineering work experience placement every term, the students employers have always given positive feedback on his progress.
Mr Macfarlane said the awards, presented during Reconciliation Week, broke new records on all fronts.
“These awards continue to go from strength to strength with companies across all commodities getting involved and celebrating excellence in indigenous participation in resources.
“It is our hope that award winners will go on to be ambassadors for the sector, acting as role models and encouraging more indigenous people to join our industry.
The awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of those companies and individuals making a real difference and to inspire others to do the same.