Pioneer State High School is proud to be part of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA). The academy is a partnership between the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government. The academy comprises over thirty schools across the state and provides a range of innovative programs that engage students with further education and career opportunities in the mining sector.
In recent years, Pioneer students have participated in a range of activites, including engineering camps, mine site excursions, science competitions and completion of nationally recognised qualifications in Resource and Infrastructure Operations. Students with who demonstrate a strong interest in a career in the mining sector and participate in a range of QMEA activities also have the opportunty to become QMEA ambassadors, providing them with further opportunties for their own learning as well as leadership responsibilities in promoting the mining sector and related careers to other students.
Pioneer is the only Mackay school that is part of the academy. Pioneer is also the only school in the district that offers Earth Science, a subject that provides an excellent pathway into further studies in geology and metallurgy.
Pioneer students have won highly competitive QMEA bursaries for consecutive years. Our former Head of Department (Science), the late Mr Mick Nixon, was recognised with the QMEA Teacher of the Year award for his instrumental role is establishing innovative science programs linked to the resources sector.