Young professionals show support

A new committee has formed in Karratha to assist young people who find themselves thrust into high level managerial positions with little time for professional development, and it's run completely by the professionals themselves.

The Karratha Young Professionals is a not-for-profit group run solely by young Karratha locals who are keen to develop, mentor and network with other up-and-coming business people.

KYP president Jessica Buckley said the committee was created to run events which give young professionals a way of learning from others of a similar generation.

"Our main goal is to make it easier and more enjoyable for young people to do business in Karratha," she said.

Miss Buckley said the committee believed Karratha was a great place for professional opportunity, and often young people found themselves in higher roles they might not normally be in if working in other locations.

"While this is fantastic, we have also identified that the focus is generally on delivering the work itself, and not much on mentoring or development," she said.

As to what denotes a young professional, Miss Buckley said KYP events would be most beneficial for people aged between 18 to 35 years-old working across a wide range of industries, but the age limit wasn't strict.

"We will not be checking IDs - we want to support anyone who views themselves as a young professional and feels they could gain something from participating in our events," she said.

Karratha Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Lally said the new committee was a great idea.

"It's really good for them to get together and network, it's a support group really and that's great," he said.

Mr Lally said it would be a benefit to the career development of young people in town.

The first event for the KYP will be a sundowner at the Ibis Styles on Tuesday, March 25, featuring a panel of local business men and women who will share their experiences of living and working in the Pilbara.