Through its theme, “Unlocking Energy Through Innovation, Technology and Capability”, the 7th International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) in Doha features a variety of special activities for high school and university students as well as young professionals from Qatar and around the world. More than 6,000 industry representatives, youth and young professionals are expected to converge at 7th IPTC, the largest multi-society, multi-disciplinary oil and gas event in the Eastern hemisphere.


Dr. David Khemakhem, an advisor with Exxon Mobil Corporation’s Corporate Strategic Planning department and co-chairman of the IPTC’s Young Members Activities, said that getting more young men and women interested in contributing to the oil and gas industry requires strong collaboration between the industry, government and educators, as well as parents. “IPTC provides an excellent platform for young people to communicate with industry leaders on global issues and concerns, and address the important role they will play to ensure global energy sustainability when entering the industry,” he said.


The cornerstone of the young members’ activities is the Education Week for college students. Under the theme, “Energy Challenges + Education = Our Future”, about 110 college engineering and science major seniors from more than 31 countries and 67 institutions are converging in Doha and working together on a number of energy industry-related topics. These students have the opportunity to work with a number of industry young professionals and leaders and learn about the importance of this sector while expanding their personal networks. More than 40 percent of the students invited are female, about the same percentage of engineering students in Qatar at both Qatar University and Texas A&M Qatar.  The Middle East, and specifically Qatar, has encouraged female students to pursue engineering higher education, which provides an important source of talent to the oil and gas industry. “This is an encouraging trend as the industry seeks a skilled and talented workforce,” Dr. Khemakhem added. “We stand a better chance of developing a steady pipeline of qualified graduates who can be recruited to address the world’s energy challenges.”


Another highlight of the conference is the International Young Professionals Competition, with the theme "World Energy…Gate to the Future".  Young professionals will address, among other topics, the future of energy supply and what steps should be taken to ensure that such supplies are accessed, produced and used in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.


The 7th IPTC takes young members’ activities a step further as it will, for the first time, feature a special ‘Future Engineers’ Parents Dinner’ designed to make parents aware of the opportunities available in engineering, geosciences and science higher education within the oil and gas industry.


A one-day teachers’ workshop also provides a variety of free instructional materials that expand on essential scientific concepts related to the oil and gas industry. Teachers from local high schools have also registered for the program.


In addition, an “Energy 4All” Education Day will introduce high school students to the disciplines of petroleum engineering and the industry, as well as opportunities in the sector. Fun and interactive activities including science shows and scavenger hunts are planned for youth between the ages of 14 and 16 years.