The Los Angeles Basin Section Continuing Education Program was the first in the SPE and is typical of SPE efforts around the country. Initial membership interest was high, but recent classes have been only partially filled. Other SPE Sections have had partially filled. Other SPE Sections have had similar experiences. This lack of participation is the result of lack of motivation participation is the result of lack of motivation and should be of great concern to the industry. Primary responsibility for maintaining technical competence rests with the individual; however, companies share this responsibility. In the opinion of the authors, most oil companies have been permissive but not energetic in their support of the SPE Program. A number of techniques industry can use to motivate their employees toward continuing education are presented and discussed.

Introduction

Unlimited opportunity exists for the engineer in today's technically snowballing society to expand his capabilities and contributions. The degree to which he should pursue continuing education is commonly pursue continuing education is commonly debated in connection with the age-old controversy of experience versus academic achievement. Oil companies go to great expense to improve their technical staffs and even recruiting practices are influenced by where key company personnel stand in this "great debate." One thing is certain, the employee will be more valuable if he updates himself in matters which pertain to his area of endeavor.

In February, 1965, the Los Angeles Basin Section kicked off the SPE Continuing Education Program. The objective of this program has been to provide a means of raising the general level of technical competence in the petroleum industry. Thirty-one Sections now offer some form of continuing education to 85% of the SPE total membership; however, the Los Angeles Basin Section Program which is typical of others in the SPE has attracted only about 15% of its membership. Apparently, you can lead the engineer to education, but you can't make him learn.

In this paper, the authors who are members of the Los Angeles Basin Section Continuing Education Committee, discuss the reasons for the declining participation. Techniques are recommended for the motivation of the hard-core, inactive member.

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