British Computer Society Young Professionals Group


The British Computer Society Young Professionals Group was formed in 1986 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 professional groups in the UK, with over 26,000 members. The group organises events and provides services ranging from lectures and debates to networking evenings, various competitions, college bursaries, and awards.
While 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 executive committee and network of regional representatives.

Young IT Practitioner of the Year

The YPG judges, promotes and awards the Young IT Practitioner of the Year Award along with naming the annual British Computer Society Medal Winners. This underlines 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.
;Former winners of the award
;Former medal winners
2010Adam Thompson, IBM UK LtdDominic Green, Microsoft
2009Luke Claughton, Micheldever Tyre Services LtdRiyaz Patel, Yorkshire Water
2008Victoria O'Reilly, Allianz Insurance plcLuke Robison, IBM UK Ltd
2007Kate Scott, Premier Inn - Whitbread Group plcChris Dale, IBM UK Ltd.
2006Paul Cheek, TeamSpirit Software LtdMark Alexander, Graham Technology PlcIain McGinniss, Graham Technology Plc
2005Verity Wiscarson, IBM UK Ltd.Graham Marwick, IBM UK Ltd.Steven Henderson, Royal Bank of Scotland Group
2004Nicolas Eggleton, The Pensions TrustLee Englestone, AstraZenecaKeith Sutcliffe, Steptronik UK
2003Richard Clayton, B Mason & SonsSteven Henderson, Royal Bank of Scotland GroupDavid Hewitt, James Hamilton Group

SkillCentre

The YPG runs 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 negotiate 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.

ProNetworking

ProNetworking is an event series established by YPG Chairman Christopher Moxon in 2006 as an expansion of the YPG SkillCentre event series. It comprises events in two parts, offering attendees the opportunity to network while the second part brings together a top panel of IT professionals to share their secrets of success with the audience.

YPG OneTeam

YPG OneTeam was a project run by the YPG to consolidate the YPG's representation efforts at national and local levels.

WorkLink

Worklink was an online interactive database that allowed students to search for IT work placements. Notable employers using the service included, Buckingham Palace.

History of the group

The YPG was originally established by students from Thames Polytechnic in 1984. By 1985, the group had over 250 members and in 1986 on 23 April the YPG's Constitution was ratified and the group held its inaugural conference organised by Barbara McManus.
;Historical listing of Chairs of the YPG