Construction is powering ahead on a $24.8 million cutting-edge STEM precinct and automotive training facility at Mabel Park State High School in Queensland.
The new building will feature a STEM classroom block and an automotive training facility. The $3.96 million automotive facility will allow students to explore the latest automotive technologies such as electric scooters and solar powered vehicles. Meanwhile, the $20.8 million learning centre will include classrooms and labs to strengthen the school’s STEM curriculum.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the project will prepare students for the jobs of the future, with the automotive training component of the project a game changer for students interested in a career in STEM.
“Every young person deserves a world class education and the chance to reach their full potential,” she said.
Waterford MP Shannon Fentiman said the STEM building will also provide more skills for more jobs.
“This project is a much-needed boost for Mabel Park which has seen student numbers almost triple since 2016,” she said.
“Mabel Park has already been recognised for its achievements in training with its nationally recognised health hub.
“And it’s fantastic to see these state-of-the-art facilities will continue to provide valuable hands on, industry relevant skills and training for Mabel Park’s students to get a job and have a successful career.”
Ms Grace said the building was expected to be fully finished in March 2022.
“The STEM building will feature dance studios, science labs, robotics labs, graphics studios, a staff hub and seven classrooms,” she said.
“It will also include a United Cultural Centre with purpose-built prayer and wash facilities for the school’s Muslim student population, as well as an all-faith prayer room.”
Mabel Park SHS Principal Michael Hornby said the new building is magnificent, and will give the school community advanced facilities for teaching science, technology and robotics.
“The automotive workshop will be run with green energy and batteries and we’ll have the latest in robotic technology and 3D printing facilities.
“We currently have eight female students being mentored in Engineering at QUT, and this is about to expand to 40 students, so this workshop will be a huge asset to our STEM and automotive technology curriculum.
“We are developing a partnership with QUT Engineering so we can continue to collaborate with the experts in this field locally, nationally and internationally, to take our students on the right path for future study and employment.”
