NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2007 – As the worldwide demand for energy puts increased pressure on industry to produce more alternative energy sources, more personnel are needed to fill the manpower shortages faced by this growing industry.

The 26th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering (OMAE) will address this issue during a specialty forum “Career Opportunities in the Offshore and Arctic Engineering Profession,” June 12-13, 2007, at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego, Calif. 

The offshore and arctic areas are the last frontiers for finding hydrocarbon reserves and for harnessing alternative energies such as offshore wind power, wave/tidal power and ocean thermal energy.  Although industry is pursuing these alternative energy sources, there remains an acute shortage of technical personnel needed to fill these growing demands.

The Outreach to Engineers Specialty Forum, sponsored by the ASME Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering Division (OOAE) of the International Petroleum Technology Institute (IPTI), is open to senior engineering students and early career professionals from a broad range of engineering and scientific qualifications.  Graduate students with specialties in ocean and/or offshore engineering, mechanical or civil engineering, petroleum engineering or aerospace engineering are invited to participate and learn of the many exciting career opportunities available today.

A job fair, held in conjunction with OMAE, will allow participates to explore job opportunities and possible career paths while meeting with engineers, managers and human resource professionals from some of the leading companies in the industry.

Scholarship opportunities provided by industry sponsors are available to qualifying students and young engineers from around the world.
 
In addition, Outreach to Engineers Specialty Forum delegates can participate in the events of the 26th OMAE, which will feature over 400 technical papers from engineers and scientists and 13 symposia featuring a range of technologies, including pipeline and riser technology, structures, safety and reliability, and ocean space utilization to name a few.

IPTI and the Petroleum Division was founded to provide mechanical engineers working in the areas of petroleum, natural gas, petrochemicals, coal, oil shale, and others with the opportunity to participate in technical workshops and conferences while fostering the continued growth of engineering education and promotion of mechanical engineering as a career choice.  ITPI is comprised of three ASME technical communities the Petroleum Division, the Pipeline Systems Division and Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.  ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.

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