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Taking firm steps towards the future

The first year of our GenEra Neuquén program went above and beyond expectations, finishing 2024 with a flourish, as diploma award ceremonies were held across Neuquén, Añelo and Rincón de los Sauces.

Ending 2024 on a high note, December saw the award of the GenEra Neuquén diplomas in three key locations. Launched in May 2024, the program—backed by Tecpetrol, Vista Energy and the Government of Neuquén, was designed to strengthen technical education and equip the next generations of students to tackle the challenges of careers in the oil and gas industry.

Neuquén and Senillosa students step up to receive their diplomas.-

However, the year-end gatherings were also a chance to celebrate the many achievements reached during the year, and set ambitious goals for the future. The first event was held in Neuquén’s Salón Domuyo and hosted by Martín Bengochea, Vice President of the Neuquén and Vaca Muerta Basin, and María Laura García, Chief Human Resources Officer. They shared the stage with directors and authorities such as Soledad Martínez, Minister of Education of the province; Pablo Licovsky, Dean of the National Technological University - Neuquén Regional Faculty (UTN FRN); and Matías Weissel, Manager of Vista Energy, among other leading figures from the area.

"We believe that education is key to tackling the enormous challenges that come with Vaca Muerta’s growth. This year was a major step, but it’s just the beginning. Our goal is to reach more towns, more students—because that’s how we develop our province and our country," said Martín.

And the impact is already massive. During 2024, GenEra Neuquén reached more than 1,200 students and teachers, delivering 40,000+ hours of training across 14 schools in Neuquén, Senillosa, Añelo and Rincón de los Sauces. The program blended technical and trades skills, with career planning and math courses, plus hands-on experiences such as TecnoAventura and active learning workshops inspired by the Roberto Rocca Educational Programs. With academic backing from institutions such as the UTN FRN and the University of Flores (UFLO), students gained specialized training and real-world insights through practical workshops.

Second stop, Añelo.-

However, GenEra Neuquén isn’t just a standalone program—it’s part of a broader educational effort by Tecpetrol in the Neuquén Basin and the Techint Group worldwide. Alongside initiatives like Technical Gene and the Roberto Rocca Scholarships, it builds on years of experience in the design and implementation of programs aimed at strengthening technical education in the communities where the company operates.

The diploma presentation ceremonies were only one part of these vibrant gatherings that brought together students, teachers, directors, and Neuquén’s educational authorities, alongside Tecpetrol team members. The talks and panel discussions reinforced the positive impact of the program and the power of collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors in driving education and career development in the region.

The third award ceremony at Rincón de los Sauces.-

Because… What is education if not a force that encourages everything around it to grow? GenEra Neuquén isn’t just about fostering technical skills among students—it’s about strengthening local roots and community growth. “The numbers from this first year blew us away! They exceeded all our expectations!” says María Laura García. “Now, the goal is to expand—to reach more schools and broaden our impact across the province. This collective effort proves that when we unite behind a common goal, the results are real and transformative.”

Three packed ceremonies underscore three simple reasons for concluding that the future of Vaca Muerta is already in motion. And GenEra Neuquén is proof that technical education is one of the strongest drivers for its development.

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