Tecpetrol University Induction Camp: much more than an induction program
Over four weeks, 21 Tecpetrol Young Professionals got the chance to take an inside look at the energy business. From complex technical simulations to hands-on experience at Fortín de Piedra and Los Bastos, the first TUIC of 2026 helped participants apply what they had learned, acquire a more holistic view of the industry and build relationships that are sure to continue long after the program ends.
The 2026 Tecpetrol University Induction Camp (TUIC) gave Young Professionals (YPs) the chance to step outside their usual roles and plunge into the inner workings of the company to get a better grasp of the energy industry as a whole. Over four weeks, the TUICers lived and learned together, combining technical and management training with simulator exercises, a busy social program and time in the field. For the second year running, the field component took place in Neuquén, with visits to Los Bastos and Fortín de Piedra.
The group included 21 participants from across the company—eight from Neuquén, two from Salta, one from Quito and 10 from Buenos Aires. The average age was 27, and most had a strong technical background.
Class of 2026Twenty-one participants from across Tecpetrol’s operations spent four weeks living and learning together.
“Usually, we have quite a balanced mix of profiles,” explains Joaquín Naveiro, Tecpetrol University Manager. “This is a challenge when it comes to the technical content, as many are already familiar with the processes and others less so. At the same time, it all comes together really well, as people are keen to share what they know and help bring others up to speed.”
A 360° view: connecting with operations
Priscila Bilbao, HSE Analyst in Quito, highlights the value of the program’s regional and multidisciplinary mix: “I was the only environmental engineer and the only participant from Ecuador, so I had the chance to understand the business from a much broader perspective—from what happens at headquarters to just how demanding field emergency-response training can be.”
Time togetherTUICers shared meetings, meals and plenty of time together—even on weekends.
For Matías Yoo, Supply Chain Planning & Process Analyst in Buenos Aires, one of the biggest takeaways was being able to connect what he sees from the office with what happens in the field. “It’s great for people in staff functions to take part because I honestly don’t know when else I would have had the chance to visit a field and see the business up close. Understanding concepts like casing, tubing, drill bits and pulling gives me a much clearer picture of what people are talking about in meetings and the kinds of problems they deal with every day.”
Daniel Mendieta, Procurement Analyst in Salta, agrees that the experience opens up new possibilities for internal development. “Coming from a service area, it helped me understand the timing and complexity behind different processes. More broadly, it gives all of us a much better view of the business as a whole—and maybe even makes you think, ‘I’d like to spend some time in that area and try something different.’”
“Much of TUIC is built around the company’s latest projects, especially the sessions led by internal experts. That’s where the momentum is right now—and it really shows how much Tecpetrol is growing.” Joaquín Naveiro.
New topics, processes and even business areas were added to the 2026 agenda to give participants a stronger learning foundation. “Many parts of TUIC, particularly the sessions led by internal experts, are focused on new projects across the different business areas. That’s where much of the company’s energy is going right now, and it’s a clear reflection of how much Tecpetrol is growing,” Naveiro says.
Decision-making under pressure
Although participants took assessments before and after each technical session to reinforce what they had learned, the real test came with the simulator, where the YPs had to work through both conventional and unconventional development scenarios. “I went in feeling fairly confident, but putting everything into practice was a real shock,” Bilbao admits. “They hand you a stack of more than 40 pages, including information designed to throw you off, and you have to work through it incredibly fast.”
Raising the bar.The demanding emergency-response training surprised some of the Young Professionals.
The team found that the key to beating the clock was trust and knowing how to complement one another’s strengths. “Having such clearly defined roles made all the difference,” Mendieta says. “You had to trust completely in what everyone else was doing, find a common thread so everything fitted together, and let each person contribute what they had understood best from the sessions and what they already knew.”
Culture, recognition and lasting connections
Beyond technical excellence, TUIC is also designed to strengthen Tecpetrol’s collaborative culture. Geraldine Carrillo, Training and Development Sr. Analyst and program coordinator, has seen that transformation firsthand. “After the first few weeks, you start to see everything click. What they had previously only studied in a model suddenly becomes something they can see for themselves in the field.” She has also witnessed the same pattern year after year. “The best part is seeing the strong, lasting relationships they build—connections that stay with them throughout their careers at Tecpetrol.”
Stepping outside the bubbleLearning from others is one of the key parts of the TUIC experience.
During the final days of the program, the group chooses an ambassador who best represents the values of the Tecpetrol University Induction Camp. This year, Mariana Asaroff, Plant Operations Engineer in Neuquén, was selected. “It feels really special, and I’m very grateful,” she says. “But beyond who is chosen as ambassador, I think what really matters is having a moment to stop and recognize one another—to encourage people, highlight their attitude and acknowledge the behaviors that make a real difference in creating a positive place to work.”
Put to the testThe team competition had its share of high-pressure moments.
Ese espíritu de equipo y contención mutua —que acompañó al grupo desde las jornadas de integración en Buenos Aires hasta el trabajo de campo en Neuquén— refleja cómo la TUIC funciona como un catalizador de talento y comunidad profesional.
¿Te gustaría conocer más sobre esta experiencia?
Te invitamos a ver De la teoría al pozo, nuestro episodio de streaming dedicado a la TUIC, aquí.