Like many of you, I wonder where the years have gone and also how could one industry have so much fun, but get its work done and done well.
And, how good is it to have a Convention in Melbourne!
I must say I’m pleased – it’s my home town (although I left three decades ago) and, very importantly, it’s the home of the best footy game in the world – AFL.
Unfortunately, my footy team is clearly not the best in the world, but that’s another story.
So, welcome again to the APIA Convention.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy and benefit from the wealth of information on show at the Exhibition and delivered during the business sessions.
Of course, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the four dinners over four nights – pace yourself because it’s definitely worth attending every one of these very different functions.
We’ve had a few new developments over the years and what was new has now become part of the event.
This includes the decent coffee now available at the Exhibition!
The idea was introduced a few years ago (thanks GPA Engineering) so coffee addicts can wake up comfortably and stay awake in the afternoons too.
Another successful introduction has been the internet area.
A new development I’m very proud of is our YPF stand.
The young pipeliners have shown the way, well ahead of other industry associations, providing educational and social opportunities for the younger people in our industry.
The YPF stand has become a meeting point for many people who attend the Convention and provides information about YPF activities and educational opportunities.
I encourage all attendees to find time to visit the stand.
This year, after many years of effort from our Pipeline Engineer Training Project Manager Chris Harvey working with Engineers Australia and the National Engineering Registration Board (NERB), we will welcome our first REGISTERED PIPELINE ENGINEERS.
Thanks to the work of Chris and his army of experts on the Reference Groups (and some assistance from APIA’s Training and Communications Manager Karen Polglaze), the APIA Pipeline Engineer Competency Standards are being used by many members to help with career guidance and to undertake in-house skills analyses in engineering businesses.
The competency standards project has now been expanded to offshore pipelines, plastics pipe and composite pipe.
This is excellent news for the industry, but I have to say that finally having formal recognition by Engineers Australia/NERB of pipeline engineering is a tremendous achievement and I look forward to introducing our registered pipeline engineers during the Convention proceedings.
So, welcome to the 2014 APIA Convention and Exhibition (and if you’re not at the Convention, commiserations, but welcome to the Convention edition of Pipeliner!).
Importantly, a warm welcome to new pipeliners.
I can assure you that in this industry you will experience enthusiastic encouragement and you will learn – you’ll learn about the industry and about your own sector and skills requirements.
I hope you enjoy the Convention as much as we veterans do.