QRC chief executive Michael Roche announced the deal yesterday at the Queensland Resources Expo (QREX).

“Despite the global recession, the skills shortage is far from resolved and still exists, and this will become increasingly evident as global demand for minerals and energy commodities starts to rebound,” QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.

“It’s in the interests of all Queenslanders to ensure that we are not caught short for the next upturn, while at the same time providing new and exciting career opportunities for young people.”

Roche said mission-led universities, like CQ, aligned education and research outcomes for the resources sector and increased the quality of student education experiences.