The YPP is aimed at members and associates under 35 year of age (although ‘35’ can be defined quite loosely as illustrated by Tony Saitta’s presence) or those with less than 10 years experience, to create opportunities to network amongst peers, sharing ideas and experiences.

This is a popular event in many SPE sections globally known as the Emerging Leaders Program. The evenings normally comprise of a speaker offering either biographical material and tips for young players, or talks on the soft skills required in today’s industry.

The YPP started in Perth on Tuesday 9th March 2004 with a presentation by Shirley McKinnon, from McKinnon Management Group, covering some very informative topics such as: How to manage upwards, Anticipating problems in your team and Five tips to take away that will improve your working environment.

Most recently, the YPP’s meeting featured Agu Kantsler, Woodside’s Director of New Ventures, presenting a synopsis of his time and work with Shell and Woodside and some of his advice and observations for younger people in the industry.

So far the meetings have been well received with 80 people in attendance for the first meeting and growing to 90 people for the second. With endorsement from Woodside, Santos, Apache, Eni and the DoIR, the meetings are sure to be a regular fixture.

Young Petroleum Professional meetings are to be held on the second Tuesday of every other month at the Belgium Beer Café, Murray Street.

The YPP is endorsed and supported by PESA and the SPE local sections. Both Alex Kaiko of Tap Oil (Chairman of PESA, WA) and Derrick O’Keefe of Arc Energy (Chairman of SPE, WA) attended the last meeting and were enthusiastic about the initiative.

These events are coordinated by Alex Parks of Troy-Ikoda and Aaron Burt of Origin Energy. These gentlemen will happily field any enquires or topic nominations.

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