Held every two years, the JTM is a partnership between APIA’s Research and Standards Committee, the Pipeline Research Council International based in the USA, and the European Pipeline Research Council (EPRG).

The 2009 JTM is to be hosted by the EPRG, and APIA has joined with the Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT) to offer three scholarships for young Pipeliners to attend. The objective of the AGIT is to contribute to the advancement of young people in the gas industry through support for study, education and research across all sectors of the gas industry.

In addition, APIA lead member, Orrcon Pipelines, has offered to fund two extra scholarships, allowing a total of five young members to have the opportunity to attend the major international research conference. At the close of applications, APIA had received 31 applications for the scholarships, many of which were of an extremely high quality. After a detailed (and somewhat difficult) selection process it was determined that the winners of the five scholarships would be: David West (WorleyParsons), Lara Kayess (Oil Search), Craig Clarke (APA Group), Ben Cooper (A J Lucas) and Cameron Dinnis (Orrcon). Congratulations to these five young Pipeliners and thank you to the 26 other applicants who nominated for the scholarships.

The lucky young Pipeliners will enjoy an extended visit to pipeline and gas industry related entities and companies in Europe. The JTM tour will see participants visit Italy, Rome, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

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The last JTM was a great success. Hosted in Canberra it was the group’s first ever conference held in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2007 event brought together approximately 120 of the world’s pre-eminent researchers and engineers involved in all aspects of the design, construction, operation and integrity of high pressure petroleum transmission pipelines.

Initiatives such as the JTM serve to strengthen the pipeline industry through the sharing and development of ideas at a global level, as well as providing young Pipeliners with experiences and knowledge to be taken back into the field.