Throughout 2025, this initiative brought Tecpetrol professionals together with secondary-school and university students in Neuquén and Buenos Aires, creating spaces to share real-world experiences, spark vocational interest, and open doors to careers in the energy industry.

The energy industry offers huge opportunities for growth. With that in mind, Tecpetrol held five editions of Futureá Tecpetrol in Argentina, an initiative designed to bring young people closer to the sector and help them imagine a future within it. Aimed at final-year high school students and those just starting out in engineering or geological sciences, the event offers a first-hand look at the major projects that could soon be part of their professional lives.

“The turnout was really strong,” says Felipe Harriague Castex, Talent Attraction Manager. “Through Futureá, we’re able to reach high school students and show them a real pathway into the industry, while also supporting university students as they move forward in their studies. Engineering and geological sciences are long, demanding degrees, and staying motivated isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s so important for them to see themselves working in this sector and to truly understand the opportunities ahead, so they can stay focused and confident in their goals.”

Each Futureá Tecpetrol edition brings together teams from Human Resources, engineering specialists, and company leaders, who take part in talks, panel discussions, and open Q&A sessions. Some questions come directly from the audience, while others are sparked through interactive games.

When it comes to choosing speakers and panelists, Felipe explains that the focus is on real, relatable experiences. Participants include young professionals who have completed summer internships, are going through their first rotation programs, or are receiving ongoing feedback from their supervisors. “That’s what makes it so powerful,” he says enthusiastically. “Hearing these stories directly from people who’ve just been there themselves really resonates.

Agustina Carlanian, HRBP Sr. Analyst, says she’s always struck by the genuine connection that forms between the audience and Tecpetrol professionals. “Our people really want to inspire and motivate,” she says. “Not so long ago, they were in those same early years of engineering or geological sciences, dealing with the same doubts and uncertainties these students are facing today. They talk honestly about what the energy industry is like, sharing their own experiences, including the challenges. In the end, everyone walks away with something meaningful: inspiration, clarity, and a real drive to keep moving forward,” she says with a smile.

Pablo Escobar, a petroleum engineering and data analysis student at the Arturo Jauretche National University, attended the Buenos Aires edition and later shared his experience on LinkedIn. “Listening to young professionals talk about how they’ve grown at Tecpetrol, and learning how the company fosters innovation and promotes sustainable development, really motivated me to keep preparing myself to be part of an industry that’s constantly evolving,” he wrote.

Seasoned leaders also play a key role, openly sharing their own professional journeys and lessons learned along the way. Ricardo Markous, CEO; Martín Bengochea, Vice President of the Neuquén Basin and Vaca Muerta; Ricardo Ferreiro, President of E&P; Horacio Pizarro, Senior Director of Joint Ventures, Non-Operated and Midstream; and María Laura García, Chief Human Resources Officer, all took part in the opening and closing sessions of the event, reinforcing the message that learning, growth, and dialogue span every stage of a career.

“They really connect with the students and put themselves in their shoes,” Agustina adds. “It’s almost like they’re saying, ‘I was exactly where you are now. I get it.’ They show them that a future that once felt far away can actually start today. Their stories give participants tools, confidence, and the push they need to begin their professional journey. And it shows,” she laughs. “Talks that are meant to last half an hour often run much longer, simply because there are so many questions and no one wants to leave anything unanswered.”

Gastón Ponce Vollmann, an industrial engineering student at the University of Buenos Aires, shared his experience after attending the event. “I had the chance to take part in Futureá Tecpetrol, where we discussed key topics such as energy, innovation, the energy transition, and soft skills,” he says. “It was an excellent experience, a great opportunity to learn more about the sector and the career possibilities offered by a leading company in energy engineering and development.”

Where experience meets ambition

In Buenos Aires, Futureá Tecpetrol was held in May, June, and October, bringing together 80, 150, and 75 students respectively. In Neuquén, the initiative welcomed 35 participants in June and another 57 in October. And the momentum continues: new editions are already planned for next year, including the program’s first-ever edition in Mexico.

Nataly Sepúlveda, an industrial engineering student at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), highlights the value of the experience. “It was a great opportunity to connect with others and get a closer look at the day-to-day reality of young engineers who are already growing and developing in this sector,” she says. “We also had a really interesting conversation about soft skills, which showed just how important they are, as it’s not only technical knowledge but the human side of things that matter as well. I’m very grateful to the Techint Group, and especially to Tecpetrol, for making this opportunity possible.”

For Felipe, the takeaway is clear. “The feedback we receive tells us that students truly value the passion with which we share what we do and appreciate the opportunities that open up for them through these encounters,” he concludes. “Knowing that makes the whole experience incredibly rewarding.”