Reminder: Nominations for IEC Young Professionals 2011 Workshop Due by April 29

The U.S. National Committee (USNC) to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is seeking nominations for three U.S. participants to take part in the program to be held in conjunction with the 75th IEC General Meeting in Melbourne, Australia, on October 24-28, 2011.

The Young Professionals Workshop brings together candidates selected from IEC National Bodies around the globe who are at the start of their careers in electrotechnical standardization and conformity assessment. The program aims to cultivate long-term national involvement in the international arena, strengthen the future of technology transfer, and encourage the participation of young professionals in shaping the future of standardization and conformance.

The Young Professionals Workshop debuted at the USNC-hosted IEC 2010 General Meeting in Seattle. The inaugural program welcomed 53 young professionals from 27 countries to encourage their continued participation in standardization and conformity assessment activities. Ninety-six percent of last year's participants reported their interest in becoming more involved in IEC work as a result of the workshop. [see related news item]

The three young professionals selected to represent the United States at the IEC 2011 General Meeting in Melbourne will attend a dedicated workshop alongside recipients from other nations where they will learn more about the IEC, standardization strategies, and conformity assessment. They will also have the opportunity to attend the technical meetings where standards are developed, observe a meeting of the IEC Standardization Management Board, and benefit from extensive networking opportunities in an international setting.

Recipients will be financially supported for their travel and up to three nights of accommodation by both the U.S. National Committee and the IEC.

Let's Hear it: Voices of the Future What the 2010 Young Professionals are saying: "A huge opportunity to understand how the IEC works and operates." - Malaysia "Everybody's voice is important, we had the opportunity to give our opinions." - Mexico A highlight was: "being treated as valuable sources of information, rather than just young people [there] to learn." - Canada

U.S. stakeholders are encouraged to nominate young professionals who work for industry, the government, academia, consumer organizations, or any entity within the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment community. Candidates should be involved with standardization or conformance from a technical or managerial perspective within their organization. This program is targeted towards individuals who are in the early years of their professional career, post university.

Nominations must be submitted electronically to Charlie Zegers, general secretary of the USNC ([email protected]) by April 29, 2011. Click here to download the nomination form.

The selection process is based on the nominee's demonstrated leadership and dedication, vision of the strategic or commercial impact of standards and conformance, and significant accomplishments in their chosen field of activity. Candidates will be assessed by a selection panel comprised of USNC Officers, standing committee officers, and a pool of USNC Honorary Life Members. The three winners will be notified in July 2011.