Young engineering minds supported for second year.

Queensland Hydro has supported the Gympie Science and Engineering Challenge for the second year running, delivering real-world value for local students as part of a wider workforce development strategy.

Held on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, the Gympie Science and Engineering Challenge was a hands-on event designed to engage high school students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through real-world problem-solving activities. The challenge encourages students to think critically, work as a team, and explore careers in engineering and science.

The Gympie Science and Engineering Challenge was delivered with support from the Gympie Rotary Club, MindSET-do and the University of the Sunshine Coast (Gympie Campus).

Eight schools from across the region participated in the challenge, with over 180 students from grades 9 and 10 competing in a variety of engineering challenges to earn points. Members of our Borumba Project Delivery and Industry Engagement teams were on hand to mentor students, offering guidance and encouraging innovation for two challenges.

St John’s College in Nambour walked away with winning honours from the day.

STEM pathways

Queensland Hydro’s Senior Manager of Industry Engagement, Jason Manttan, attended the Gympie Science and Engineering Challenge as a volunteer, assisting with the Wind Turbines Challenge.

In this challenge, students explored the mechanics of wind energy and designed their own turbines. The turbines were then tested, with the team (and their wind turbine) generating the highest revolutions per minute (RPM) being awarded the winner.

Mr Manttan says that young minds are keen to see real-world applications of engineering and renewable energy concepts.

“We know that education is critical to building interest in STEM careers, and STEM career pathways will be critical to our state’s future energy needs.

“By engaging with students through hands-on challenges we aim to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and problem-solvers.

“We’re proud to continue supporting events like the Gympie Science and Engineering Challenge and other school-based event initiatives to grow capability and, most importantly, excitement about STEM careers in the region.”

Workforce participation key for future developments

Our involvement in the Gympie Science and Engineering Challenge is one of many local initiatives that Queensland Hydro is undertaking to build workforce capability and increase workforce participation for the future energy sector in Queensland.

These activities include working with project delivery partners to identify upskilling opportunities across the region, collaborating with industry bodies to create awareness of clean energy jobs within the future workforce, building local supply chain capability to support the Project, and managing local and First Nations targets for workforce participation.

Queensland Hydro has also assisted dozens of students through its engineering scholarship and bursary partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“Queensland Hydro is in the process of designing a long duration pumped hydro energy storage facility which will play a key part of Queensland’s clean energy future. The success of projects like the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project relies on having a skilled and capable workforce,” Mr Manttan said.

“By supporting events like the Science and Engineering Challenge, we are helping to develop the future workforce necessary for major infrastructure projects and the broader clean energy industry.”

At Queensland Hydro, we’re committed to supporting young people interested in making a career in STEM fields. Learn more about our education pathways activities.

Find out more about the Science and Engineering Challenge.

First published 28 March 2025