WPC Energy sees youth engagement as vital to long-term health of sector.

The WPC Energy Young Professionals Committee was set up in 2006 in response to the shortage of young people entering the industry and renamed WPC Energy Young Professionals in 2015.

It aims to promote the energy industry to the next generation of employees through projects and industry networks, as well as creating a global forum for the views of young people to be relayed to business leaders.

“There are a few different efforts that we’re working on,” said Shamus Hardie, chair of the Committee. “There’s the young professionals magazine, a mentorship program, a youth survey and a social media strategy to share the work we are doing.”

73% of respondents expressed willingness to participate in the energy transition

The Committee also has a role in planning the WPC Energy Congress and shaping programming that caters to young professionals.

In Canada, the local WPC Future Leaders Committee have been organising networking events where young professionals are able to hear talks from senior leaders on current issues and exciting projects, called Ignite Talks. The group has also collaborated with other energy-focused young professionals’ groups to host social events, development programmes and educational sessions.

“We’re sharing those practices with others around the world to encourage them to put on their own local events, build connections and find opportunities to learn from others,” said Hardie.

One of WPC Energy’s key tools for engaging with young professionals is its Youth Survey. The most recent edition, conducted in 2023 with Accenture, drew over 1,800 responses from individuals in 27 countries. It focused on the energy transition and highlighted the belief among young professionals that they can contribute fresh ideas and technological innovation to reduce emissions.

Notably, 73% of respondents expressed willingness to participate in the energy transition—yet 67% doubted that energy companies would meet their 2050 net-zero targets.

The latest edition of the Youth Survey is being prepared to launch later this autumn, with the findings to be presented at the WPC Energy Congress hosted in Saudi Arabia in April 2026.

“The next one is called Empowering the future: Energy of tomorrow starts with us,” said Hardie.

The survey will continue the focus on the reality of the energy transition, as well as looking at equity and diversity.

These themes will also be addressed in the upcoming Youth Forum, which will take place in Kuwait in October, supported by the Ministry of Oil in Kuwait and the Kuwait National Committee.

The Youth Forums take place every two years and provide young professionals with the opportunity to discuss their perspectives on the industry.

The Kuwait forum will feature panel sessions, roundtables and workshops on the above themes, as well as a session on promoting the role of women in the energy sector.

“Being able to discuss how we can have a more balanced workforce, and promoting a message of inclusivity, is very important for the future of the industry,” said Hardie.

Communicating such messages to future industry professionals is also vital, Hardie added.

“There’s going to be an ongoing challenge about getting people into the energy sector,” he said.

“There needs to be a better story told about the speed of the transition and the extent to which the energy sector needs to lead it.”

Young professionals working all around the world want to know that their companies are aware of the transition and are actively addressing the topic, according to Gul Ugurluer, senior strategy analyst for Turkish Petroleum, and former Turkish representative on the Young Professionals Committee.

“Even for Middle Eastern countries and countries like Turkey, new graduates want, alongside a secure career, to know what their company is doing on this issue,” she said. “It’s a challenge, but the companies are aware of this challenge and are starting to take action.”

In response to shifting expectations and the urgency of the energy transition, several national oil companies have launched dedicated carbon management divisions in an effort to better align with global climate targets and attract a new generation of talent.