Our industry is all too well aware that cancellation or reduction of training and apprenticeship programs and the tendency to put a freeze on recruitment of inexperienced persons does not encourage new people into the industry. APIA recognised the trend some time ago and held the first Young Peoples’ Forum in Canberra back in May of 2006 in an attempt to increase knowledge amongst younger members and also gain a better understanding of their expectations. Over the two days of the forum and particularly during the feedback session the “experienced” pipeliners got a few surprises.
One of the significant feedback items was that we are not doing a very good job of providing to the younger generation the benefit of the many collective years of experience of the older pipeliners. Some expressed frustration that they didn’t know where to look for information they needed or whom in the industry to ask for assistance.
One of the recommendations arising from the first YPF meeting was the development of a web-based tool to make general information about the pipeline industry easily available to those seeking to learn more. The simple message was the younger generation telling the older ones that reading textbooks, papers, and journals is no longer the preferred way to learn. There was some general discussion about the content and function of such a tool, and APIA undertook to make something happen.
Since then, the APIA Board has approved funding for the development of an online database or electronic library to collect existing information and make it more readily accessible via the internet. A subcommittee has further discussed the concept, issued a questionnaire and analysed responses, and has engaged the services of a website development organisation to assist with creating the “˜portal’ through which information will be accessed.
The initial phase of the development will provide access to useful reference information and archived papers and publications. Links to other organisations offering related information will be provided, and listings of available training courses will assist those seeking to expand their skills.
Some items such as books and video tapes will be listed as well; depending on whether and how they can be borrowed from the library in a more conventional manner.
Electronic files will be searchable via keywords or categories, and will be available to APIA members. Some areas of the electronic library such as recent publications by the Research and Standards Committee will be available to RSC members.
Creating the website will be relatively simple compared to the arduous task of collecting, sorting, filtering, cataloguing, and scanning the large volume of material believed to be already in existence and which ought to be considered for wider industry access. APIA has contacted senior pipeliners seeking their suggestions on materials which may be of interest to them and others. Managing this process represents a tremendous opportunity for temporary employment in Canberra for a willing and experienced pipeliner!
At this time the website development is well underway but there is a lot of work to do. The task of collecting and loading the material onto the website is likely to continue for some time, so a “˜launch’ date is not yet known.
In the future it is expected that the website will be expanded to assist development of training programs, provide for online mentoring, and possibly host discussion forums.
APIA is determined to ensure this online library/database will be an excellent tool for the members and the aim is to have an informative accessible site that becomes the first place young pipeliners, in fact all pipeliners, look for information.