BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) celebrated 41 high school seniors from Brazoria and Matagorda Counties during its eighth annual Career Signing Day on April 21 at the Dow Academic Center at Brazosport College.
Modeled after athletic signing days, Career Signing Day recognizes students who have committed to careers in the petrochemical, construction and skilled trades industries. The students honored during the ceremony successfully completed a competitive interview process that connected more than 250 graduating seniors with approximately 30 industry employers seeking the next generation of skilled professionals.
The event also marked a major milestone for the program, which has now connected more than 400 students with career opportunities since its inception.
“Career Signing Day continues to demonstrate the power of industry and education working together to create opportunities for students,” said Aaron Ennis, BCPC Signing Day Chair and President and CEO of the Brazosport Safety Council. “For eight years, this program has helped students take meaningful first steps toward rewarding careers while helping our industry develop the skilled workforce needed for the future. Reaching more than 400 student participants is a testament to the commitment of our employers, educators and industrial partners.”
The evening featured keynote speaker Greg Sizemore, Former Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development for Associated Builders and Contractors, who encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, pursue excellence in their chosen craft and recognize the value of the opportunities before them.
Students recognized during the ceremony are entering career pathways that include welding, pipefitting, electrical work, instrumentation, millwrighting and other skilled crafts that support one of the nation’s largest manufacturing and petrochemical regions.
The skills these students are developing today are critical to the success of our industry and our communities,” said Jessie Jennings, President and CEO of ABC Texas Gulf Coast. “Through Career Signing Day, we are streamlining the pipeline that connects local talent directly to high-demand careers. These students aren’t just filling jobs; they are the future workforce that will sustain and drive our regional economy forward.”
The event also included special recognition of Chris Witte for his contributions to the continued success of the Career Signing Day program. A longtime industry leader and workforce advocate, Witte was honored for helping sustain the initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting the transition to a virtual application and interview process, ensuring students could continue connecting with career opportunities during an unprecedented time.
BCPC and its Workforce Development Committee also recognized Aaron Ennis for his leadership and dedication to Career Signing Day since its inception. Through his work with industry partners, educators and workforce organizations, Ennis has helped guide the program’s growth from a local workforce initiative into a regional effort that has connected more than 400 students with career opportunities.
