A hydrogen-powered car race held at the Port of Townsville provided a great platform for promoting STEM-related career opportunities within the Sugar and Renewables business.

Wilmar was a silver sponsor of the regional Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final Qualifier, which was hotly contested by teams from 13 North Queensland high schools.

Students were challenged to design, build and race hydrogen-powered remote-controlled cars, introducing them to real-world engineering, renewable energy technologies and teamwork in a competitive environment.

The Grand Prix itself was about notching up the highest number of laps over a four-hour period.

Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard represented Wilmar Sugar and Renewables at the July 29 event, along with Graduate Engineer Elise Green, Cadet Draftsperson Grace Bach and Cadet Draftsperson Jack Castrejana – all from Pioneer Mill.

Daniel said the event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Wilmar Sugar and Renewables brand, and engage with junior high school students about future career paths.

"It was a really worthwhile day because some of the participating schools are in our milling regions, but the students didn't have a clear understanding about how STEM is applied in our industry.

“It was also rewarding for the three young professionals who represented our business. As graduate engineers and cadet draftspeople, they haven't been out of school for very many years, so they were able to share their personal experiences with STEM subjects and STEM-related careers."

Daniel said students showed a lot of interest in Wilmar's apprenticeships, as well as the various engineering pathways available.

The winner of the regional final was Dragline Engineering from Moranbah State High School. They'll represent North Queensland at next year's World Final, the location of which is yet to be announced.