ABCN would like to congratulate ABCN Foundation Accelerate student Kaitlyn who has been named a QMEA Ambassador, in a program that aims to provide a pathway into STEM industries for 20 of Queensland’s brightest young talents.

QMEA places students on pathways into the resources sector and other science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries as part of a partnership between the Queensland resources sector represented by the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.

The Bundamba State Secondary College Captain attended a four-day QMEA Ambassador camp in December, visiting many STEM institutes, which provided the opportunity to learn about the resources sector and the jobs and skills needed in the industry.

STEM isn’t the only industry Kaitlyn has had the opportunity to learn about. In an exciting opportunity as Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper, The Bundamba Post, Kaitlyn travelled to Parliament House in Canberra in November – a whopping 1,200 kilometres from Brisbane – to interview the Governor-General David Hurley.

Kaitlyn and a fellow student had the opportunity to meet prominent Australians, including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

‘It was a great experience talking to these accomplished people and learning about how they got to their positions and what inspires them most,’ says Kaitlyn.

‘We were also able to explore Canberra and everything it has to offer. I was able to go to the War Memorial on Remembrance Day, which was an absolute privilege.

‘I also got to visit Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre as well as Old Parliament House. It was fascinating to visit various institutions with jobs in STEM and learn about the available jobs in science, maths and engineering.’

Kaitlyn’s mentor in ABCN’s Accelerate program is Emily Sherring, an analytical sales professional at Stockland in Brisbane. The pair has been working together in ABCN’s three-year mentoring program since 2022.

‘Kaitlyn is an extremely focused and determined student. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know her over the last 12 months and I cannot wait to see her grow even more over the next two years,’ Emily says.

‘I have no doubt that Kaitlyn will reach her goals and beyond. Kaitlyn has embraced the ABCN Accelerate program and is so proud to be a part of it. It’s been amazing to see so many students unafraid to be proud of their heritage and I truly believe ABCN promotes this in every way possible.’