Continuous Improvement Project with Queensland Gaskets
Carl Quarterman, Managing Director of Queensland Gaskets
Gateway to Industry Schools Program Advance Manufacturing (GISP AM), Queensland Gaskets, and Park Ridge State High (PRSH) School have embarked on a journey of continuous improvement. This partnership revolves around a common goal: transforming waste into opportunities by implementing the principles of design thinking and STEM.
Queensland Gaskets deals with a waste product when cutting foam for their Rheinmetall defence projects. The collaboration aims to reduce this waste and inspire young students to use their knowledge to develop new ways to turn waste into valuable products.
This curricular-aligned project is more than just a partnership; it is an embodiment of integrated learning, where students grapple with real-world scenarios, engage in creative problem-solving, and explore a wide scope of transferable skills.
Fostering Learning through Design Thinking
A Design Thinking workshop was undertaken at PRSH School with a cohort of 55 students and their teachers. The session immersed participants in the world of design thinking, imparting knowledge about its application, significance, and real-world success stories.
The students were presented with practical tasks designed to facilitate hands-on learning and experiential understanding. Importantly, this workshop introduced the concept of waste management and resource repurposing.
A Field Trip Adventure
Year 9 students from PRSH School visited Queensland Gaskets' facilities, where they witnessed waste generated during foam cutting for defence projects. Divided into groups of 15 students, these young minds engaged in a carefully curated program:
A comprehensive factory tour to understand the business, machinery and operational processes.
In-depth discussions about the foam waste generated from the Rheinmetall job, mainly focusing on the 10mm FOAM NEO offcuts.
Insights into the diverse job roles within Queensland Gaskets, sparking inspiration for future career paths.
The visit also extended to the defence producer, Rheinmetall, underlining the holistic approach to the partnership.
Fostering Innovative Solutions
With exposure to real-world challenges, the students are on a mission to develop sustainable solutions for the foam waste. Drawing from design thinking principles, they work collaboratively, channeling creativity and problem-solving skills.
Moving Forward
The collaboration between Queensland Gaskets, GISP AM, and PRSH School isn’t just about repurposing waste. It's a step forward in bringing together industry, education, and innovation to create a better world. This partnership is forging a path toward a more sustainable future by engaging young minds with design thinking and challenging them to find solutions for real-world issues.
