From steam to STEM: Rail Workshops become classrooms for the future

What can one of Australia’s oldest working railway workshops teach young people about the future?

Students from Bellbird Park State Secondary College explored that question this week as part of the first major education program delivered through a new three-year partnership between the Queensland Museum and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).

Running from 17–19 August during National Science Week, the inaugural Intensive Learning Program transformed Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, Ipswich into a living classroom where Year 9, 10 and 11 students explored manufacturing, power and transport while connecting innovations of the past to technologies of the future.

Rather than simply learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), students experienced it firsthand through hands-on activities, immersive museum experiences, engineering and technology sessions, and career development workshops led by UniSQ academics and educators.

Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said the partnership demonstrates how museums can inspire the next generation by connecting the stories of the past with the possibilities of the future.

“The Rail Workshops tell the story of Queensland's industrial ingenuity,” Ms Grace said.

“For young people, they're also a reminder that today's innovations are built on yesterday’s ideas.

“By bringing students into this remarkable environment, we're showing them that curiosity, creativity and problem-solving have always driven progress, and those same skills will shape Queensland's future.”

UniSQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paul Mazerolle said the program was designed to spark curiosity, build aspiration and show students how the skills they develop today can help shape the future.

“Education can change lives, particularly when students see real-world connections between what they learn in the classroom and the opportunities that exist beyond it,” Professor Mazerolle said.

“UniSQ is excited to contribute academic expertise, career education and school engagement networks to a partnership that supports young people to explore their potential.

“The program brings together the strengths of a university, a museum, and schools to create an experience that is engaging, inspiring and connected to the future workforce needs of our region.”

Bellbird Park State Secondary College Principal Michael West said the program provided students with an opportunity rarely available through traditional classroom learning.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to learn alongside experts, engage in hands-on experiences and gain insights into future study and career opportunities,” Mr West said.

“Experiences like this can be transformational because they help young people see new possibilities for themselves and develop confidence in their own potential.”

The Intensive Learning Program forms part of a broader three-year partnership between Queensland Museum and UniSQ focused on STEM engagement, equitable access to STEM education, community learning, and future workforce development across Ipswich and surrounding regions.

Outcomes from this year’s program will help expand participation to additional schools in the second and third year of the partnership.