After a successful launch in Neuquén City, the second edition of Tecpetrol Conecta brought together 10 companies and more than 50 technical experts in Añelo.

It all comes down to attitude—and to having the right opportunities. On Saturday, March 14, more than 50 graduates from technical schools across the province gathered at the Shale Hotel in Añelo. They travelled from Neuquén City, Centenario, Senillosa, Plottier, Cutral Co, Plaza Huincul, and Rincón de los Sauces, all with a shared goal: to up their technical game and find their place in a sector that continues to expand at a smart pace.

A new edition of Tecpetrol Conecta got under way in the heart of Vaca Muerta, aimed at helping young technicians who have completed Tecpetrol’s educational programs take their first steps into the workforce. Many have already engaged with the Techint Group through initiatives such as GenEra Neuquén, the Roberto Rocca Secondary School Scholarships, and the Roberto Rocca Technical Gene program in 2024 and 2025.

The event also brought together companies from across the value chain, including those taking part in the ProPymes Program, creating a space for direct exchange. Company representatives shared their career paths with participants and highlighted the skills and competencies currently in demand. Participating companies included Justo Otero e Hijos, Valvic, Marbar, Electromontajes Badia, Quina, Cesetti Comunicaciones, Transportes Crexell, BMK, Equipel, and Kompass.

Organized by the Community Relations and Supplier Development teams, Tecpetrol Conecta once again served as a meeting point for the regional business ecosystem. This edition saw a notable increase in participation, with ten local SMEs involved, up from six in the first event.

The opening ceremony was attended by Añelo’s mayor, Fernando Banderet, alongside representatives from the City Council, the employment network Red Empleo, and the provincial Department of Labor. The session was chaired by Marcelo Guszul, Supplier Development Expert, who shared that, ““We want to create a space where young talent from the Cuenca region can connect with the companies driving its growth, companies that are actively looking for that talent to keep moving forward.”

One of the most anticipated moments was the networking session, organized in small groups to encourage direct, face-to-face interaction between the young people and the corporate representatives. They were able to ask questions, better understand employer expectations, and submit their résumés.

Two workshops were also held in parallel to complement the agenda: one on personal branding and building a professional profile on LinkedIn, and another focused on job interview preparation, including CV writing and practical tips for first interviews.

For José Tanaka, HRBP Regional Senior Manager, the value of Tecpetrol Conecta lies in the bridge it builds between training and employment: “It makes us really proud because it brings everything we’ve been working on with the community together—and, most importantly, helps create that connection.”

Andrea Fernández, CORE Manager, highlighted the importance of broadening horizons: “Many young people tend to think only of operators in this sector, but there’s so much more out there. Spaces like this help them see those possibilities—and once they can talk face to face, it really clicks.”

The impressions on the graduate end were similar: Emily Rodríguez, an electronics technician who graduated from EPET 7 in Neuquén, said she learned about patience, perseverance, and how to spot opportunities. Lautaro Moyano, a student at EPET 22 in Centenario, was both delighted and surprised by the number of job opportunities there are available.

From the industry side, Alejandro Pesce, Quality Manager at Transportes Crexell, emphasized the mutual value of the exchange: “What stands out in these gatherings is the energy and motivation young people bring to the table.” Recalling the case of Facundo Torrico, whom he hired after the first edition, Pesce added: “It’s very rewarding for us as well to be able to support them and make a real difference.”

That link between education, industry, and local development is what lies at the core of Tecpetrol Conecta: a space where young talent meets the companies shaping the region and begins to build a path of its own.