'Fuelling the Future' - Gastech invests in the future

By raising sponsorship from key companies in the gas industry, 92 students from twenty one universities in eight countries - France, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Qatar, Spain, UAE, UK and USA - will be benefit from taking part in the inaugural Gastech - Fuelling the Future initiative that takes place 6-7 December.

'We are delighted to announce that Dolphin Energy, Chevron, ADNOC and the Petroleum Institute are all sponsoring delegations of students to attend Gastech from various regions throughout the world including the UAE, Qatar and USA and taking part in a specially tailored programme,' says Event Director, Tony Stephenson of dmg world media (uk) ltd. 'The students taking part in our inaugural Fuelling the Future programme are participating in an all expenses paid trip to Gastech. We know how important it is to introduce new blood to the gas industry; this is our very positive step to ensure that students in their graduation year take a serious look at what is on offer.'

The programme is designed to enable students to get an overview of the conference and the issues raised; experience the international exhibition; gain insights into the latest key projects; network with a range of international companies; and find out how to become part of the gas industry.

Where they are coming from:
France: HEK School of Management; and INSEAD
The Netherlands: TU Delft
Pakistan: GIK Institute of Engineering and Technology
Qatar: Qatar University and the Texas A&M University at Qater
Spain: Universidad Complutense de Madrid
UAE: Abu Dhabi University; the Petroleum Institute; and Zayed University
UK: Preston University; University of Lincoln; University of Warwick; Oxford University; and the University of Salford
USA: University of Michigan; Moore School of Business, University of S. Carolina; Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University; Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia; Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Management; and the Leonard N Stern School of Business

Opinions on the initiative
'In almost every gas industry meeting these days we hear about the shortage of young people coming into the business,' explains Chris Clucas, Director, Dorchester Maritime LNG Ltd and co-chair of the Gastech Programme Advisory Committee. 'How refreshing to report a positive initiative to address this situation - and what better than to join forces with Gastech, the leading international gas industry conference and exhibition.

'Gastech has established the 'Fuelling the Future' project to give promising students the opportunity to visit this record-breaking event in Abu Dhabi. Here they will be able to see the exhibition, featuring over 300 market leading companies from well over 30 countries, and full of highly specialised and attractive stands demonstrating the full range of LNG, LPG, offshore, shipbuilding and ancillary equipment rarely seen together under the same roof. The students will also have the chance to sit in on some of the Gastech presentations, and to meet key players in the industry. Altogether, an exciting and inspiring opportunity to see how the industry really works and what career opportunities exist.

'This is an initiative that Gastech can be proud of, and everyone we have discussed this with has been really positive. We all recognise the issue - it is very rewarding to be involved with developing a creative solution'.

Dolphin Energy CEO Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh commented: 'Our intention is that these students, who are all keen to work in the regional energy sector, will be exposed to the gas industry's current issues, forthcoming projects and potential employers.

'The students will have a real opportunity to learn about the practical needs of gas producers and utilities - what is on offer to new graduates, as well as what is expected of them. Dolphin is very pleased to host their visit and to encourage their career research.'

'Chevron Global Gas is pleased to be a sponsor of the 'Gastech - Fuelling the Future' program which allows students to attend the Gastech 2006 Conference and learn first-hand about the many different aspects of the gas industry,' said Karl Cottrell, Global Gas Organizational Capability Manager. 'Talented and well-trained students are important to our organization being able to meet our business needs and deliver on our strategy. There are many exciting and challenging growth opportunities within our company and we look forward to hosting these students during the conference.'

'The students selected come from both commercial and technical disciplines from near and far,' explains Tony Stephenson. 'We know they will find this special programme of immense use, and look forward to welcoming them to Abu Dhabi.'