BCPC Career Signing Day Sets Record With 252 Applicants

Posted on by tabithamwalles

March 14, 2025 – Brazoria County, TX – This year, 252 high school seniors are throwing their hats in the ring for safe, high-paying jobs in the petrochemical industry through the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council’s (BCPC) Career Signing Day. The figure sets a new record in applications, as more students explore careers in crafts such as welding, pipefitting and construction.  

Before officially signing job offers, students will undergo a rigorous interview process with up to four contractor companies on March 25.  Based on these interviews, companies can extend offers allowing students to begin full-time craft careers immediately after graduation.

Now in its seventh year, Career Signing Day has placed more than 300 students in high-demand careers. While working, these students get on-the-job training, classroom instruction and professional certification pathways—all while earning a salary. To participate, students complete a competitive application process, which includes submitting a letter of recommendation, transcript and personal essay before being selected for interviews.

“With a growing demand for a skilled workforce, Career Signing Day serves as a vital bridge between education and industry,” said Aaron Ennis, BCPC Signing Day Chair. “This program provides life-changing opportunities for students while strengthening our region’s workforce with highly trained professionals.”

This year’s 252 applicants come from 18 high schools across the region, including:

  • Angleton High School
  • Alvin High School
  • Bay City High School
  • Brazosport High School (Freeport)
  • Brazoswood High School (Lake Jackson – Clute)
  • Columbia High School
  • Danbury High School
  • Glenda Dawson High School (Pearland)
  • Iowa Colony High School
  • Manvel High School
  • Palacios High School
  • Pearland High School
  • Robert Turner College & Career High School (Pearland)
  • Rise Academy (Alvin)
  • Shadow Creek High School (Pearland – Alvin)
  • Sweeny High School
  • Tidehaven High School (Palacios)

 

“The petrochemical industry offers rewarding careers with competitive wages, strong benefits, and room for advancement,” said Joe Bohon, BCPC Workforce Development Chair. “It’s inspiring to see so many students eager to seize these opportunities, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”

About Career Signing Day

Students who receive job offers will be honored at the official Career Signing Day event on April 22 at 6:00 PM at the Dow Academic Center at Brazosport College. The event will celebrate their achievements and recognize the companies investing in the future workforce of the petrochemical industry.

Companies Encouraged to Get Involved

With the demand for skilled workers rising and growing interest in the Signing Day Program, BCPC invites more contractor companies to participate in this impactful program. Businesses seeking dedicated, entry-level craft professionals are encouraged to connect with BCPC’s workforce development team at bcpcworkforce@gmail.com.

About the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council

The BCPC consists of more than 25 member companies producing thousands of raw materials and intermediate products used in everyday life, resulting in clean water and energy, safe food packaging, effective hygiene products, lifesaving medicine and medical equipment, advanced electronics, sustainable construction materials, affordable clothing and safe and fuel-efficient automotives. 

The annual economic output for the companies associated with the BCPC is $12+ billion. The total economic impact of the industry supported $24 billion in total spending. 

Through its member companies, BCPC employs 12,259 full-time direct employees, 75% of them living in Brazoria County. For every job created directly by the industry, another 2.85 jobs are created, resulting in 39,995 indirect and induced jobs. Our employees contribute over 35,000 hours of volunteer service to the community each year. 

The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council is committed to workforce development, industry collaboration, and expanding career opportunities in the petrochemical sector. Through initiatives like Career Signing Day, BCPC connects local students with high-demand careers that provide long-term stability and growth.

The Critical Role of Chemistry

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The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) recently brought industry leaders, community members and local organizations together for its annual Responsible Care event at the Lake Jackson Civic Center. The gathering celebrated the petrochemical industry’s ongoing commitment to safety, sustainability and community partnership—while also highlighting its enormous economic impact on both Texas and the nation.

Scott Daigle, Vice President and Site Director for MEGlobal Americas Inc. and BCPC’s Community Outreach Vice President, opened the event with a look back at the Council’s recent accomplishments. From a successful Signing Day that connected students with future careers to a county-wide safety seminar, his remarks underscored how BCPC companies are investing in the next generation and the wellbeing of local communities.

The keynote address was delivered by Martha Gilchrist Moore, Chief Economist and Managing Director of Economics and Statistics at the American Chemistry Council (ACC). In her presentation, “Outlook for the U.S. Economy, End-Use Markets & Chemicals,” Moore emphasized both the critical importance of safety and the expanding role of sustainability in the chemical sector. She also highlighted the scale of the industry’s economic impact stating that chemistry supports more than 25% of the U.S. gross domestic product.

Chemistry also makes up 9% of all U.S. goods exports and drives job creation across the country. Texas stands as the nation’s leader in chemistry production, supporting 74,380 direct jobs and more than 302,000 related positions. With an industry average wage of $137,700—46% higher than the state’s manufacturing average wage -the petrochemical industry not only fuels innovation and economic growth but also creates lasting opportunities for families and communities.

The Responsible Care event also showcased BCPC’s strong ties to the community. Two local nonprofits, Kidz Harbor and Communities in Schools, were honored for the impact they make in Brazoria County. Each received a $1,000 grant from the Council and attendees worked together to assemble more than 750 hygiene kits to support families served by the organizations.

From economic strength to commitment to the community, the Responsible Care event captured how the petrochemical industry continues to shape Brazoria County. By prioritizing safety, advancing sustainability and investing in people, BCPC members are ensuring the benefits of chemistry extend well beyond the plants and facilities—reaching into classrooms and neighborhoods all across the globe.

BCPC Hosts Largest Career Signing Day in Texas as More Than 100 Local Students Commit to Petrochemical Careers

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Lake Jackson, TX – May 2025 — In a powerful display of workforce readiness and community
collaboration, 104 graduating seniors from 18 high schools across Brazoria and Matagorda
counties signed full-time job offers with leading contractor companies at this year’s Brazoria
County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) Career Signing Day—the largest event of its kind in the
state of Texas.

Held annually, the event marks a direct transition from high school into high-demand, high-wage
careers in the region’s booming petrochemical industry. Since its inception, the program has
launched over 400 students into the workforce, even continuing uninterrupted during the
COVID-19 pandemic.

“What started as an idea seven years ago has grown into something truly powerful,” said Jesse
Jennings, one of the event’s original founders and President/ CEO of ABC Texas Gulf Coast.
“We wanted to celebrate students entering the workforce just like we celebrate athletes on
signing day—and thanks to the support of our industry and community partners, that vision is
now a reality.”

This year, BCPC also honored Inga Gibbons of Brazosport ISD as the inaugural Signing Day
Champion for her leadership and dedication to student success.

Inspirational remarks from community leaders, including Brazosport College President Dr.
Vincent Solis and Dr. Chris Boleman, President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and
Rodeo reinforced the message of purpose, growth, and giving back. “You decide where to give
back—but you won’t be complete until you do,” Dr. Boleman reminded the students.

One such student, Alejandro Coronado—now a foreman at Shintech—embodied the power of
the program. “Signing Day gave me a career, not just a job,” he said. “If you’re willing to work
hard, stay humble, and keep learning, this industry can take you further than you imagined.”

As 104 students stepped forward to sign their names, they also stepped into their futures. BCPC
Career Signing Day continues to serve as a model for industry-led education and workforce
development across the state.

Dr. Chris Boleman, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO announced as Career Signing Day Keynote Speaker

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The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) is excited to announce Dr. Chris Boleman as the keynote speaker for its upcoming Career Signing Day on April 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., at the Dow Academic Center at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, TX. 

Boleman’s exceptional leadership in education and industry make him ideal to inspire the high school seniors about to embark on life-changing careers in the petrochemical industry. A native Texan and graduate of Texas A&M University, Boleman brings a wealth of experience in workforce development, educational outreach, and leadership.

Prior to being named the president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2020, he served in various roles including as executive director of Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits and chief mission officer. Boleman has a deep understanding of what it takes to guide the next generation of leaders.

“Dr. Boleman’s commitment to education, youth development, and career readiness aligns perfectly with the mission of Career Signing Day,” said Aaron Ennis, BCPC Career Signing Day Chair and President/CEO of Brazosport Safety Council. “His experience will provide invaluable inspiration to our students as they transition into exciting, high-paying careers in the petrochemical industry.”

Boleman said he looks forward to sharing his experiences. 

“One of our four pillars at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is education, and to have the honor of speaking with the next generation of leaders as they prepare for this chapter is an honor,” said Boleman. “Igniting their passion with encouragement and insight is everything we’ll discuss on April 22nd.”

Career Signing Day marks its seventh year of placing high school seniors in rewarding jobs in the petrochemical sector. This year, a record 252 students from 18 area high schools have completed a competitive application process and undergone interviews with contractor companies. Upon receiving job offers, the selected applicants will begin full-time careers in high-demand crafts such as welding, pipefitting, and construction—gaining both professional certification and on-the-job training while earning a salary.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of students, the event will also recognize the companies that are investing in the future of the region’s workforce. With over 988 interviews conducted between students and 42 contractor companies this year, Career Signing Day continues to strengthen the relationship between education and industry, providing critical pathways for future success.

About Career Signing Day

Career Signing Day is an annual event that connects high school seniors with the petrochemical industry by offering job placements in crafts such as welding, pipefitting, and construction. The event aims to fill the growing demand for skilled professionals in the region, providing students with the opportunity to begin their careers with full-time job offers, training, and certification pathways.

For more information about Career Signing Day, visit www.bcpc.org.

About the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council

The BCPC consists of more than 25 member companies producing thousands of raw materials and intermediate products used in everyday life, resulting in clean water and energy, safe food packaging, effective hygiene products, lifesaving medicine and medical equipment, advanced electronics, sustainable construction materials, affordable clothing and safe and fuel-efficient automotives

.  

The annual economic output for the companies associated with the BCPC is $12+ billion. The total economic impact of the industry supported $24 billion in total spending. 

 

Through its member companies, BCPC employs 12,259 full-time direct employees, 75% of them living in Brazoria County. For every job created directly by the industry, another 2.85 jobs are created, resulting in 39,995 indirect and induced jobs. Our employees contribute over 35,000 hours of volunteer service to the community each year. 

 

The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council is committed to workforce development, industry collaboration, and expanding career opportunities in the petrochemical sector. Through initiatives like Career Signing Day, BCPC connects local students with high-demand careers that provide long-term stability and growth.

 

About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $630 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2026 Rodeo is scheduled for March 2 – March 22. The 2026 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 26 – Feb. 28. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com, download the RODEOHOUSTON app and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.

100 Local Students Secure Life-Changing Petrochemical Careers at BCPC Signing Day Interviews

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Life is about to change for 100 high school seniors from Brazoria and Matagorda Counties, who have officially secured job offers through the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council’s (BCPC) Career Signing Day program. After completing a rigorous interview process with leading contractor companies, these students are preparing to step directly into high-demand, high-paying careers in the petrochemical industry.

Their achievements will be celebrated during the official Career Signing Day event, taking place on April 22 at 6:00 PM at the Dow Academic Center at Brazosport College.

“This is more than just a job offer—it’s the start of a life-changing journey,” said Aaron Ennis, BCPC Signing Day Chair. “These students are stepping into careers that offer financial stability, growth, and a bright future. We’re proud to connect them with companies eager to invest in their success.”

The 100 students come from 18 high schools across the region and earned their positions through a competitive process that included a detailed application, up to four interviews with contractor companies, and a comprehensive review of their academic and personal achievements.

BCPC’s Career Signing Day gives students a direct path into skilled trades such as welding, pipefitting, and construction. Starting immediately after graduation, they will begin on-the-job training, earn competitive wages, and often pursue industry-recognized certifications.

“This program connects students with real opportunities to succeed after high school,” said Bridgette Percle, Director of Career and Technical Education, Brazosport Independent School District. “It’s about helping them start strong, with the support of employers who are ready to invest in their potential. We’re seeing lives transformed and futures secured.”

One such success story is Enrique Galvan, a 2019 graduate who began his career through the program in welding and pipefitting. Today, he’s a welding inspector in Colorado, earning over $100,000 annually and owning his own home—all by age 24.

The program is a standout example of what’s possible when education and industry collaborate. School districts like Sweeny ISD have seen its impact firsthand on student confidence, life-readiness, and economic mobility.

“Our students walk away with more than just jobs—they leave with confidence, goals, and momentum,” said  Christi Wesley, Sweeny ISD Senior English Teacher. “We’ve heard great feedback from past participants who return with stories, advice, and even mentorship for the next class.”

Contractor companies are equally committed. Organizations like Palacios Marine Industrial (PMI) view Career Signing Day not only as a way to fill roles, but also to shape a stronger, more prepared workforce.

“This program gives us the chance to connect with students early and help build their skills from day one,” said Jeff Vandergrifft, Vice President of Construction. “The interview process is a game-changer—it teaches students professionalism, communication, and how to carry themselves in the workplace. We’ve hired several students through this program, and they’re thriving.”

Since its launch, Career Signing Day has helped over 300 students gain direct access to full-time careers in one of Texas’ most vital industries. For many, it’s more than a first job—it’s the first step toward long-term success and financial stability.

 

About the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council

The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) represents over 25 member companies that produce essential raw materials and products supporting industries such as clean energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and consumer goods. With an annual economic output exceeding $12 billion, BCPC member companies employ more than 12,000 full-time workers, with 75% residing in Brazoria County. Through initiatives like Career Signing Day, BCPC fosters industry collaboration and workforce development while expanding career opportunities in the petrochemical sector.

Building the Industry: Brazoria County’s Petrochemical Story

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Brazoria County’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and progress. It is a story of people —visionaries, workers, and leaders — who built industries that shaped the world.

The early 1900s started with oil being found near West Columbia igniting a new era of opportunity. In 1912, innovation took hold as Brazoria County became the first in the U.S. to produce sulfur, a breakthrough that sparked economic expansion. The Freeport Sulphur Company, bustling with hundreds of workers by 1930, was more than a business — it was a sign of a growing, thriving community. And during World War I, Brazoria County’s resources, including live oak nails, helped build the warships that defended our nation.

Then came the 1940s, and with them, a wave of transformation. In 1940, Dow Chemical saw the promise of Brazoria County and built the largest magnesium plant in the United States, just in time to supply the essential materials needed for World War II. This wasn’t just industrial progress — it was a technological breakthrough. Extracting magnesium from seawater seemed impossible, yet Dow made it reality. And to support the workers who powered this vision, Dow built more than a plant; they built a town. Lake Jackson was carefully designed as a model community, offering families a place to live, thrive, and grow together.

At the same time, war efforts demanded more, and the U.S. government turned to Brazoria County once again. The Sweeny Complex was built in 1942, the only refinery designed and built from the ground up by the U.S. military to produce high-octane fuel for Allied aircraft. When the war ended, Phillips Petroleum saw its value and purchased it in 1947 for $13 million, cementing its place as a cornerstone of American industry.

As the decades passed, Brazoria County never stopped innovating. Through the years, other leading petrochemical manufacturers saw the benefits of doing business in Brazoria County and moved to the region, further solidifying its reputation as an industrial powerhouse.

The dawn of the 21st century brought yet another leap forward. In 2002, Freeport LNG was founded, transforming Quintana Island into a hub of energy trade. What began as an import facility soon pivoted to exports, and by 2019, it had become one of the world’s most significant liquefaction sites. Today, it ranks as the seventh-largest in the world and second-largest in the U.S., setting the gold standard for sustainability as the largest all-electric LNG plant globally.

Brazoria County is more than a place on a map—it is a testament to human ingenuity, to industries that rose from the ground and changed the course of history. Built by industry, strengthened by innovation, and sustained by the hardworking people who drive it forward, this county stands on the shoulders of giants. As we look ahead, we honor their legacy by continuing to lead, to grow, and to shape the future.

Brazoria County Petrochemical Council Looks at Sustaining Operational Excellence through Human Performance at Symposium

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Freeport, TX (March 11, 2025) – To err is human. Finding ways to improve future performance is
smart. That was the message at the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council’s (BCPC)
Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) committee’s recent Sustaining Safety Excellence
through Human Performance symposium. The event was held Feb. 13, 2025 at the Brazosport
Safety Council in Freeport.

Presenters included BCPC member companies LyondellBasell and Chevron Phillips Chemical
talking about why and how they are focused on improving human and organizational
performance. The keynote speaker was Bob Catinazzo, Executive Vice President of Operations
for PPI Global, a leading provider of safety and culture transformation solutions.

Symposium Highlights

  •  People can’t continue to do the same thing and expect different results
  • Historically human errors have been addressed at an individual level, but most errors
    are caused by systemic drivers influencing a person’s behavior
  • Systems, processes and procedures need to be made more error resilient
  • Leaders need to understand where they can implement safeguards to make it easier to
    succeed and harder to fail
  • Building a proactively accountable culture is a path to reducing human error and risk

The highly-attended symposium ended with company representatives and work teams talking
with the presenters about how they were going to look for areas that could be improved on.

 

About the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council
The BCPC consists of more than 25 member companies producing thousands of raw materials and
intermediate products used in everyday life, resulting clean water and energy, safe food packaging,
effective hygiene products, lifesaving medicine and medical equipment, advanced electronics,
sustainable construction materials, affordable clothing and safe and fuel-efficient automotives.
The annual economic output for the companies associated with the BCPC is $12+ billion. The total
economic impact of the industry supported $24 billion in total spending. Through its member
companies, BCPC employs 12,259 full-time direct employees, 75% of them living in Brazoria County. For
every job created directly by the industry, another 2.85 jobs are created, resulting in 39,995 indirect and
induced jobs. Our employees contribute over 35,000 hours of volunteer service the community each
year.

High School Graduates Receive a Record Number of Job Offers for Careers in the Skilled Trades

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From Coatings Pro Industry News

Members of the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) and their allied contract companies offered a record 155 full time jobs in the skilled trades to over 100 graduating seniors with additional offers to come later this month. This compared to 79 students who signed in 2023.

Career Signing Day

All offers will be formalized on ‘Signing Day,’ April 23, 2024, at the Dow Academic Center on the campus of Brazosport College, located in Clute, Texas. Brazoria County, Texas is directly south of Houston, TX. These jobs include welding, pipefitting, millwright, ironworking, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC, carpentry, and more. This is the sixth annual Signing Day event for the BCPC.

Why The Increase?

There are several reasons for the increased number of job offers in 2024 compared to 2023 and years before that. “There is more work to do, with large and high-profile plant construction projects underway or in the planning stage,” said Aaron Ennis, director of alternate funding and chair of the BCPC Signing Day Committee. “More contract companies are participating than before as Signing Day is a preferred recruiting platform for ‘contractors’ with work inside BCPC member company plants.” Ennis continued, “increased interest in the ‘Career Training Education’ (CTE) programs and a marked increase in attention for careers in the trades are also contributors.

Societal Changes Lead to More Interest

Along with demand because of more available work, high school graduates are alert to jobs like these, where they may not have been before. There are plenty of reasons:

1. Disillusionment with College Education:
  • Highlighting the shift among young people away from traditional college paths due to high costs and post-graduation employment uncertainty.
  • Statistics indicating colleges with tuition costs up to $100,000 per year contributing to growing student debt burdens.
  • Figures on the worsening student debt crisis, with some graduates accumulating debts exceeding $400,000.
  • The high costs of college education and the implications for students and society, including debates on loan forgiveness programs.
2. Trade Skills as an Alternative Career Path:
  • The appeal of skilled trades like plumbing and electrical work as alternatives to the traditional college education.
  • The benefits of on-the-job training but without incurring significant debt in the trade industry.
3. Success of Trade Careers and Apprenticeships:
  • Recognition of the value of trades for offering lifetime skills, financial stability, local employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
4. Cultural and Attitudinal Shifts in Career Choices:
  • Cultural shift where colleges and universities are seen as one option among many rather than an absolute pathway to success.
  • Increasing acceptance and recognition of practical skills and trade careers over the traditional college pathway.
  • Advocacy for a more inclusive approach to career education that highlights skilled trades on par with college degrees in high school guidance.
5. Baby Boomers are Leaving the Workforce Creating Demand:
  • The exodus of 31 million skilled trade workers in 2020 left a lot of demand for new employees across the trades.
  • For every skilled trade worker starting a career, there are five retiring.
6. Remain close to home if wanted:
  • Graduating seniors chosen for employment by BCPC related firms can stay close to home as all jobs are in or near Brazoria County, TX.
  • On the other hand, the skills for these careers are transferable to other parts of the country, though local license requirements will differ.

More Opportunities

With retirements, increased CTE awareness and opportunities, the chance to go to work right out of high school and earn a living without accruing the debt that a four-year degree may require, it is no wonder that more high school seniors are attracted to programs like ‘Career Signing Day.’ “So many of our graduates receive more than one offer, it is a testament to them for being so well prepared and a signal to others that even though we set a record for job offers again in 2024, some of those will remain unfilled,” Ennis said. “Many opportunities remain.”

Rigorous Application Process

All ‘signees’ have completed requirements for and approved applications to be able to accept job offers. On top of the education each received, all applicants were interviewed by those companies who want to hire candidates for skilled trade jobs. Those BCPC related contract companies conducted over 700 interviews in 4 hours to determine who matched their respective requirements.

Edward Sablatura with Brazoswood High School signed with Wood Group at he Brazoria County Petrochemical Workforce Development Committee's annual Career Signing Day.

Fast forward from Signing Day

Posted on by bcpetrocouncil

The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council’s Signing Day has been an avenue for local seniors to land a job right after high school, giving them the opportunity to blossom into a career.

Dow Chemical, Associated Builders and Contractors and more than 50 other companies have partnered in BCPC Signing Day to bring in the next generation of construction and manufacturing employees by bringing in graduating seniors in Career and Technical Education programs from 20 surrounding high schools. Each student sits down with four different companies on a designated “Interview day,” then on Signing Day, it is revealed which companies hired them.

Michael Martinez leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of Career Signing day.
Michael Martinez leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of Career Signing Day.

However, Dow Analyzer technician Edward Sablatura’s signing day looked a bit different. Because Sablatura graduated in 2020, he was not able to sign with a company until 2021, he said. Nor did he get to experience signing day because of COVID-19.

After graduating, he received a job as a deckhand at a marina. It was about nine months to a year when he received a call about becoming a pipefitter for Phillips 66.

“I ended up leaving after nine months because I was going to work for BASF, but a second wave of COVID hit, and this job got canceled,” Sablatura said. “I went back to deckhand until I could find another job.”

After working as a contractor for a supply shop, Sablatura got a job at BASF as an analyzer technician and was there until October, when he began his career at Dow.

As an analyzer tech, Sablatura said he works on instruments that control the process of the plant and unit.

“I work in the hydrocarbons unit, so we get our product, and we put it in a furnace,” Sablatura said. “It tells me what we’re putting into the furnace, the chemicals we’re breaking into a concentration. It also tells us what product we’re putting out, its purity and how much of it we were making.”

For Sablatura, Signing Day helped him get into the plants after graduating from Brazoswood High School and get a foot in the door, he said.

“I think it’s a great program because many people don’t know what they want to do after they graduate high school,” Sablatura said. “I knew I wanted to work in the plants, but many people never thought of it. There are more opportunities than just what Signing Day offers. It’s a great opportunity to get a start out of high school.”

Lance McLaren, analyzer technician for INEOS, also had an unusual experience with Signing Day.

“My experience is probably a little different than everybody else’s,” McLaren said. “I actually was competing at a track event whenever they interviewed for signing day. I communicated with the people who had put it on, and they had set up for me to go in a day later and interview with the companies.”

McLaren graduated from Sweeny in 2022, and afterward, Contech hired him as an electrician’s apprentice. Six months later, McLaren was hired by INEOS as an I&E apprentice.

“I gained the experience, and six months later, I was given an opportunity as an apprenticeship through INEOS,” he said. “I only became an analyzer technician a little over six months ago. So I’m still learning and doing a lot of new training today.”

In the spring of 2023, McLaren graduated from Brazosport College with an associate of science in instrumentation. He is returning to college to get his bachelor’s in industrial management and hopes to climb the ladder, he said.

“This gave me a great stepping stone to start and help me grow my career,” McLaren said. “Signing Day made it extremely easy because it helped compile a lot of places that opened a lot of doors.”

Ashley Shugart, of Contech Contractors, feels similarly, saying Signing Day built up her confidence and interviewing skills and put her name out to potential future employers.

Contech hired Shugart from Signing Day in 2023 after she graduated from Columbia High School. While working for Contech, she went to Brazosport College and graduated in May with her associate’s in instrumentation.

Shugart’s job is troubleshooting various transmitters, flow meters and valves.

“I try to figure out why they aren’t functioning properly and fix it so we can properly run and monitor the process in the plant,” she said. “I’m getting a lot more hands-on experience on troubleshooting valves to monitor how everything’s running in the plant safely without over-pressurizing or being too hot.”

Shugart plans on returning to college to get an analyzer and electrical degree. Her goal is to move up the ladder and eventually become a manager.

“I enjoy what I’m doing, and the way Signing Day helped me get a foot in the door has made me realize how much I liked doing this occupation as an internet tech,” Shugart said.

Michael Martinez, a Performance Contractors pipe welder, also said Signing Day gave him a foot in the door for his career. Performance Contractors hired Martinez out of Signing Day in 2022, and he instantly felt that’s where he needed to be.

“The companies that I interviewed with weren’t really my cup of tea, but Performance Contractors is more hands-on and they offer ability which is what I was going for,” Martinez said. “So we chose each other. They helped me a lot, and they’ll take care of you.”

As a pipe welder, Martinez said it’s very straightforward, depending on the machine you’re operating. Martinez typically deals with long, heavy pipes and, therefore, has to be careful when they’re rotating to avoid massive damage or injuries, he said. Martinez is in the process of getting his associate degree in quality control at Brazosport College, and eventually, he wants to get his bachelor’s degree to become a certified welding inspector.

“I’m really close to getting my associate’s degree; I just gotta find the time to finish my classes,” Martinez said. “Signing Day was the opportunity to start making money as soon as I got out of high school and start my career.”

Cynthia Zelaya is a reporter for The Facts. Contact her at 979-237-0151.

Beat the heat alternate

Brazoria County Petrochemical Council Tackles Workplace Heat Stress with Landmark Symposium

Posted on by bcpetrocouncil

With recommendations for different practices, monitoring, and technology…

Freeport, TX (March 18, 2024) –Given the hot and humid climate in Southeast Texas, for the first time the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) Committee conducted a “Beat the Heat” symposium. The seminar was on February 22, 2024, at the Brazosport Safety Council in Freeport, TX. The event marked a pivotal step in the fight against occupational heat stress injury, a threat to workers’ safety which transcends age and fitness levels.

Beat the heat alternate
Working in the heat presents potential hazards to workers at BCPC sites year round.

The symposium drew upon heartfelt personal stories, confirming that heat stress spares no one and is a significant concern within the petrochemical manufacturing industry. Experts, leaders from the BCPC, front-line workers, and OSHA representatives provided viewpoints based on their own experience, that of colleagues, to form a comprehensive picture of the challenge at hand.

Key Highlights from the Symposium
There were a number of solemn reminders about the serious, even life-threatening consequences of heat related injuries. Some of these were:
– Trying to demonstrate one’s endurance or ‘toughness’ was cited specifically as a cause of serious injuries.
– The relevance of OSHA’s original 1972 heat exposure guidelines were discussed along with the updates that remain relevant 52 years later.
– The symptoms, rates, and grave consequences of heat-related illnesses were described in detail and punctuated by pointed and even tragic personal stories.
– Various companies showcased effective strategies and best practices for preventing heat-related illnesses, from hydration monitoring to managerial involvement.
– Technological innovations like consumable hydration energy gels and cooling equipment received spotlight attention.

Constant Vigilance Required
The symposium concluded with a strong consensus: rigorous education, adherence to OSHA guidelines, adoption of advanced technologies, and industry-wide collaboration are paramount to safeguarding the workforce.
Actionable recommendations were established to ensure the momentum started at the BCPC EH&S Beat the Heat Symposium:
– All meeting materials were dispatched to all in attendance to ensure comprehensive knowledge dissemination.
– A call for organizations to review and refresh their heat stress prevention protocols.
– Schedule in-depth training sessions to ingrain symposium learning into respective company cultures.
– A directive to leverage cutting-edge technologies for enhanced worker protection.
– A benchmark for tracking heat-related incidents, despite previously reported unreliable figures.

Looking Ahead:
– A post-symposium survey to collect participant feedback will be circulated to all in attendance.
– Distribution of a thorough resource compendium spanning technological tools to expert contacts.
– The planning of a subsequent symposium to evaluate progress and confront new challenges will be planned.
The BCPC EH&S Committee applauds the participants’ fervent engagement and their pledge to undertake proactive measures in their respective organizations. Occupational health and safety is an evolving field that demands continuous vigilance and cooperation.

About the BCPC
This press release serves as a part of the commitment to ongoing education, improvement, and the pursuit of a safer working environment for all involved in the petrochemical industry.
BCPC member companies produce 1000s of raw materials and intermediate products that impact the quality of all of our lives every day, which directly results in: clean water and energy; packaging that protects food; hygiene products like soap and deodorants; antibiotics and other medicines, clothing materials, products that help people stay connected to their digital lives but also lifesaving equipment like pacemakers; from home insulation to appliances and furniture; the automotive industry; heating and cooling systems at home and at work; plus much more.

The economic impact for the companies associated with the BCPC is $4+ billion. This includes payroll, local purchasing, state and local taxes, capital expenses, and charitable contributions.
Through its member companies, BCPC employs 9,500 full-time direct employees and 6,800 full-time contractors. It is estimated that for every job created directly by the industry, another 5 to 7 jobs are created, equaling another 100,000 indirect jobs.

BCPC is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety, security, environment, and economic well-being of the industry. We will continue to raise awareness about the economic value and benefits we bring to the local area and to the world.