British Computer Society Young Professionals Group
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The British Computer Society Young Professionals Group (YPG) was formed in 1986 (although, it roots date back to around 1983) to provide representation and support to younger members of the IT profession. Today the group is one of the largest and arguably one of the most influential young professionals groups in the UK, with over 15,000 members. The group organises events and provides services from lectures and debates to networking evenings, various competitions, college bursaries and awards.
Whilst support is provided from the British Computer Society, the group's leadership is run primarily by volunteers from the younger membership of the British Computer Society which form the YPG's National Committee.
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[edit] Young IT Practitioner of the Year
The YPG judges, promotes and awards the Young IT Practitioner of the Year Award, underlining one of the YPG's key roles to nurture and applaud individual ingenuity and entrepreneurial success that have made the British IT industry a leading global player. The awards mark the vital contribution made by young people to the IT profession, the entry criteria is shown below.
"Young people are creating new solutions to real world problems, driving change and showing stakeholders the benefits of innovative and technological solutions. This category recognises the outstanding achievement and commitment, both professionally and personally of a young practitioner in IT today. Demonstration of a professional approach and preparation for further career development are important factors."
Former Winners of the Award
2006 - Saqib Shaikh, (Microsoft Corporation)
2005 - Andrew McAnulla, (BTL Group Ltd)
2004 - Karen Elizabeth Petrie, (NASA)
2003 - James Bailey, (Eclipse Internet)
[edit] SkillCentre
The YPG run an event series called 'YPG SkillCentre' these events tend to help attendees still in the earlier stages of their career explore and develop skill areas that are typically untaught and/or neglected in the IT industry, such as advice on body language and tips on how to negoiaete a pay rise. The series established by YPG Chairman, Andrew Brown in 2003, has since trained hundreds of IT professionals.
Past events have included popular speakers such as the author of the Naked Leader, David Tayor, Chris Croft and Craig Goldblatt.
[edit] ProNetworking
ProNetworking is an event series established by YPG Chairman, Christopher Moxon in 2006 an expansion to the YPG SkillCentre event series and comprises of events with two parts; offering attendees the opportunity to network whilst the second part brings together a top panel of IT professionals to share their secrets of success with the audience.
[edit] YPG OneTeam
YPG OneTeam was a project run by the YPG to consolidate the YPG's representation efforts at national and local levels.
[edit] WorkLink
Worklink was an online interactive database that allowed students to search for IT work placements. Notable employeers using the service included, Buckingham Palace.
[edit] History of the group
The YPG was originally established by students from Thames Polytechnic (now the University of Greenwich) in 1984. By 1985, the group had over 250 members and in 1986 on the 23rd April the YPG's Consitution was ratified and the group held it's inaugural conference organised by Barbara McManus.
Historical Listing of Chairs of the YPG
| 2005-Current | Chris Moxon |
| 2005 | Kay Gamble |
| 2003-2005 | Andrew S Brown |
| 2002-2003 | James Hickson |
| 1998-2002 | Edward Wolton |
| 1997-1998 | Richard Neighbour |
| 1996-1997 | Angus Marshall |
| 1997-1998 | Richard Neighbour |
| 1996-1997 | Angus Marshall |
| 1992-1993 | Nick Young |
| 1991-1992 | Alex Durkin |
| 1990-1991 | Brid Seery |
| 1989-1990 | Greg O'Hare |
| 1988-1998 | Paul Edge |
| 1986-1988 | Nick Carroll |
| 1985 | Tim McNally |
