ith the different forms of gas, the

complexity involved in exploration and

production, the scale of operations, the
challenges to be confronted, conformity
to safety standards, and above all
the advantage of being a cleaner
source of energy. For example, SPE
has in place an active and successful
Energy4me program that aims to excite
youngsters about science and energy.
Such initiatives at the university level
would help students understand the
industry ona serious scientific and
economiclevel.
Step II: Attract
The gas industry offers a unique set of
benefits that is enriching on all fronts
compared to other industries. By 2030,
natural gas will overtake coal as the
world s principal fuel for generating
electrical power (BP 2011). The
industry could draw a parallel with the
information technology boom in early
2000, that attracted a pool of STEM
graduates who were selected based
on capability and later trained to suit
jobrequisites.
This methodology could be
replicated to attract STEM graduates to
the gas industry coupled with a strong
message about tremendous lateral and
vertical growth potential, international
exposure, lucrative remuneration, and
long-term sustainability of the sector.
The rise of unconventional gas has
given rise to unique challenges and
this will be an added advantage to
attract bright and talented youth who
are always looking for such platforms
on which to exercise their creativity
andinnovation.
Step III: Assist
The scale and complexity of the gas
industry can be intimidating for youth
or newcomers. Hence they need
assistance from the industry and its
veterans to make their transition into
the industry seamless. While there
have already been steps taken in the
right direction, there is still room for
more to be done. It is important to
continue outreaches like professional
societies and universities regional
andinternational student paper
contests, educational seminars,
scholarships, and other measures to
engage youth.
Yet at the same time there is a
need to keep students abreast of
the specifics of the gas industry and

new and sophisticated technologies,

along with their applications. This
could be done by creating universally
recognized and certified online/
classroom training modules that
have various levels. Collaboration for
such specific area training could be
between universities and companies or
volunteer-driven industry-recognized
professional organizations such as
SPE. Certifications would serve as
an additional incentive for interested
students. It is important that all these
efforts are coordinated via a common
channel to avoid knowledge loss and
duplication of effort.
Step IV: Sustain
The outcome of this process could be
technically skilled professionals who
would serve as ambassadors of the
industry and spread their knowledge
as well as experience. There need
to be intervention points from the
industry as well as academia to adapt
as necessary. Initiatives like the World
Gas Conference can be replicated
across the world and more industryrecognized
initiatives
could
be
introduced,
which
could
also
serve
as
launch
pads
for
deserving
individuals.
This
will
ensure
continuity
and
sustainability
of
the
program.
As we move with the times, the
gas industry readies itself to be a
more integral part of our lives. As we
envisage a cleaner planet and move
toward renewable energy sources,
gas will serve as an important

intermediate step. The gas industry

promises a cleaner environment and a
better future, and we need to fulfill the
promise by investing in technology and
innovation, and finally use the creativity
of a smart workforce to integrate both.
As a very experienced workforce
is in the process of retiring, the gas
industry will be hugely dependent on
youth. The industry needs to step up its
current efforts to generate interest and
attract and retain talent. The proposed
plan would help achieve the needed
impetus to encourage youth to choose to
dedicate to a career in the gas industry.
This methodical and structured approach
will go a long way in ensuring a stable
and sustainable gas industry. TWA
References
BP, 2011. BP Energy Outlook 2030.
Dempsey, J. and Ewing, J. 2011.
Germany, in Reversal, Will Close
Nuclear Plants by 2022. The New
York Times 30 May.
Parshall, J. 2011. Healthy