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.
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.
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.
Early Monday May 1, 2023 Aaron Ennis, Workforce Development chair along with Jax Lawson of Brazosport High School and Ashley Shugart of Columbia High School spoke live with Fox & Friends host Steve Doucey about ‘Signing Day.’ This was the first, live, nationwide television interview about Signing Day in its 5 year history.
While the interview was just over 4 minutes long, it took many hours over several days for Aaron, Jax and Ashley to prepare. Fitting specific ideas and messages into a tight timeframe is challenging for anyone. All three arrived before dark that Monday morning knowing what their messages were, how to deliver them while considering what the host and people watching wanted to know more about. It was great and all three were terrific.
The Facts covers Signing Day 2023 on the Front Page
Member of the BCPC were pleased to see their ‘hometown’ newspaper give a prominent, page one placement to the Workforce Development Committee’s Signing Day 2023 event.
Members and contract companies of the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) offered 79 career jobs in skilled trades to select 2023 graduates from Brazoria and Matagorda County High Schools on ‘Signing Day.’ Skilled trade jobs include welding, pipefitting, millwright, ironworking, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC, carpentry, and more. Brazoria and Matagorda Counties are in southeast Texas near Houston.
Career Signing Day
Known as ‘Career Signing Day,’ and modeled after athletic scholarship signings, the public presentation of those who will transition from school to the workforce after graduation was Monday, May 1, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Brazosport College Dow Academic Center, 500 College Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.
What Is the Job?
Graduates will work full time for local contract companies with assignments inside BCPC member plants and contract company shops. All will receive on the job instruction. There are also roles offered this year in what are known as ‘soft trades’ like construction scheduling, maintenance technician, environmental technicians, quality control and lab technicians.
Gaps to Fill
With an aging workforce and a growing industry, there is a broad need for craftspeople at refinery and petrochemical companies. High school graduates who are not interested in a four-year degree can attain specialized skills with wages that will support a family.
Members of the BCPC can recruit employees from the local population due to the career and technical programs at local high schools and the areas’ community colleges. Local recruits will often have a more profound connection to an area, as they are frequently more familiar with the culture, customs, and traditions of the region. They likely have existing relationships with people in the community, which can help them transition from high school into the workforce more easily.
Focused Applicant Screening
There was intense candidate selection that included written applications, essays and 720 job interviews by 42 contract companies affiliated with the BCPC member companies. Each of the 180 students interviewed 4 times with hiring organizations.
Those hired will receive many bonuses with their new roles. One example is ‘Ace Image Wear’ will provide free fire-retardant clothing to students who are offered a job.
BCPC Signing Day for 2023 was featured on Fox News ‘Fox & Friends’ program May 1, 2023. Aaron Ennis, chair of the BCPC Workforce Development Committee along with Jax Lawson of Brazosport High School and Ashley Shugart participated.
More Facts About the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council Signing Day Event 2023
On Monday May 1, 2023, The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) will ‘sign’ approximately 79 graduating seniors to full time career jobs in the skilled trade professions. This occurs at its annual ‘Career Signing Day’ event.
This is the fifth BCPC Career Signing Day. It is based on ceremonies for athletic scholarship signings.
These 77 job proposals are over double the number offered to graduating seniors on Career Signing Day in 2022 when 48 jobs were offered. This is more than triple the number the year before that. All this because BCPC members decided to develop their skilled workforce with local residents.
All ‘signees’ are May 2023 graduates who come from Brazoria and Matagorda Counties, respectively. Both counties are in southeast Texas adjacent to Houston.
These May 2023 graduates will start work sometime after commencement in skilled trade jobs that include welding, pipefitting, millwright, ironworking, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC, carpentry, and more.
Members of the BCPC need skilled workers to help build and maintain manufacturing plants. The program is built to hire new, young talent through career and technical education programs; it’s a great way to learn. In return BCPC member companies have a skilled labor.
The petrochemical industry has been in Brazoria County, Texas since 1939, providing jobs, paying taxes, and contributing to the local educational system and non-profit organizations.
In the last decade, BCPC member companies have invested more than $31 billion in Brazoria County, TX. creating thousands of high-wage jobs. In 2022 alone, industry had a $3.3 billion economic impact on Brazoria County.
Full time work that includes specialized training, college, and certification.
Members and contract companies of the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) will offer approximately 79 jobs for career in skilled trades to select 2023 graduates from Brazoria and Matagorda County High Schools. Skilled trade jobs include welding, pipefitting, millwright, ironworking, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC, carpentry, and more.
Graduates work full time for local contract companies with assignments inside BCPC member plants and contract company shops. All will receive on the job instruction. There are also roles offered this year in what are known as ‘soft trades’ like construction scheduling, maintenance technician, environmental technicians, quality control and lab technicians.
Career Signing Day
Known as ‘Career Signing Day,’ and modeled after athletic scholarship signings, the public presentation of those who will transition from school to the workforce after graduation will be Monday, May 1, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Brazosport College Dow Academic Center, 500 College Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.
Gaps to Fill
With an aging workforce and a growing industry, there is a broad need for craftspeople at refinery and petrochemical companies. High school graduates who are not interested in a four-year degree can attain specialized skills with wages that will support a family.
Members of the BCPC can recruit employees from the local population due to the career and technical programs at local high schools and the areas’ community colleges. Local recruits will often have a more profound connection to an area, as they are frequently more familiar with the culture, customs, and traditions of the region. They likely have existing relationships with people in the community, which can help them transition from high school into the workforce more easily.
Focused Applicant Screening
There was intense candidate selection that included written applications, essays and 720 job interviews by 42 contract companies affiliated with the BCPC member companies. Each of the 180 students interviewed 4 times with hiring organizations.
Those hired will receive many bonuses with their new roles. One example is ‘Ace Image Wear’ will provide free fire-retardant clothing to students who are offered a job.
About the BCPC
The BCPC is composed of chemical, petrochemical companies and other organizations that manufacture, refine, convert, store, and/or transport energy, basic chemical, or specialty chemical products. The goal of the BCPC is to enhance the well-being of the member company employees, contract employees, their families, and neighbors, here in Brazoria County. The BCPC motto is: Earn the publics’ trust every day. More information can be found online at www.Brazoria-County-Petrochemical-Council.com.
Career Signing Day Wins Major Award for Helping Students
Find Careers in Industry
BCPC Signing Day Committee Accepts Award at CURT Conference
Greg Sizemore, Executive Vice President at CURT; Jim Ellis, President at CURT; and BCPC Career Signing Day Committee Members: Jessie Jennings, Executive Director at Brazosport ISD Education Foundation; Spencer Cole, Sr. Talent Acquisition Advisor at BASF, Wendy Irwin, Community Relations Liaison at Chevron Phillips Chemical; and Aaron Ennis, Brazosport ISD Resource Development Coordinator
The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) Career Signing Day was awarded the Workforce Development Award by the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT), an international recognition for extraordinary, exemplary, and innovative training and education programs that encourages individuals to pursue a career in the construction industry and/or enhance individuals construction skills. Additionally, BCPC Career Signing Day won the top award of $5,000 jointly sponsored by CURT, the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), and Ironworker Management Progressive Actions Cooperative Trust (IMPACT).
Created four years ago, the BCPC Career Signing Day has “signed” over 80 high school students into craft careers. Modeled after athletic signing days, Career Signing Day is an occasion for graduating high school seniors to be placed in full-time roles for work and on-the-job training. It connects the career and technology curriculum at local high schools to life-sustaining careers in the industry.
“This award is a reflection of everyone’s hard work and dedication to growing our future workforce,” said Aaron Ennis, Chair of the BCPC Workforce Development Committee and Brazosport ISD Resource Development Coordinator. “None of this would be possible without the collaboration of the people at owner companies, construction companies, school districts, and community colleges.”
CURT is an association of leading corporations in the United States and Canada dedicated to promoting
cost-effective construction methods. CURT members recognize that training, education, and recruitment are essential to excellence in construction project delivery. As a result, CURT founded the Workforce Development Awards to recognize companies and organizations for extraordinary, exemplary, and innovative recruitment, training, and education programs, encouraging people to pursue construction careers.
The BCPC Career Signing Day application will be open for high school seniors in January 2023 and closes on March 3. Interviews will be on April 5 with May 1 being the 5th annual BCPC Career Signing Day.
BCPC Signing Day Discussed on The Michael Berry Show
The Trade School Affect
On July 1, 2022 the BCPC Signing Day event was a topic of conversation on The Michael Berry Show. Berry’s commentary begins around the 15 minute mark. The recording should start to play at that time.
Berry was named among the Top 25 Talk Hosts in America by NewsMax Magazine, and has been ranked with the country’s top 10 talk hosts by iHateTheMedia.com. His program can be heard on KTRH-AM. Click the media below to listen. Berry’s commentary begins around the 15 minute mark.
Modeled after athlete letter of intent commitment letters, ‘Career Signing Day’ is an occasion for graduating high school seniors to be placed in full time roles for work, on the job training and classroom instruction that often leads to professional certification.
Four dozen Brazoria County high school seniors will walk from the graduation stage this month to a job site after accepting job offers from Brazoria County Petrochemical Council member companies.
The members of the BCPC are Air Liquide, Ascend Performance Materials, BASF, Braskem, ChampionX, Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Dow, DSM, Freeport LNG Development, Huntsman, INEOS, K-Bin, Linde, Lyondell-Bassell, MEGlobal, Mineral Research and Development, Olin, Phillips 66, Port of Freeport, Shin Etsu Chemicals, Shintech, SI Group, and Vencorex.
There is a shortage of skilled labor for industry in Brazoria County. The demand for certified pipe-fitters, welders, machinists, mechanics, boilermakers, and other skilled persons exceed availability. These craft persons help build and later run the petrochemical plants currently in place, under construction, or planned in Brazoria County. “We need the help,” Witte said. “Career Signing Day is one of the ways we can ensure sufficient access to skilled labor. We also like that the signees are from the area and share a commitment to it.”
Not Only a Local Issue According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 8 million skilled-labor jobs were lost from the labor force during the Covid-19 pandemic. About half were filled, but approximately 4 million vacancies remain. National Association of Workforce Boards President Ron Painter said the so-called “Great Resignation” was fueled by tradesmen who chose early retirement, work from home, or less labor-intensive jobs.
About the BCPC The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) organization is composed of chemical, petrochemical companies and other organizations that manufacture, refine, convert, store, and/or transport energy, basic chemical, or specialty chemical products. The goal of the BCPC is to enhance the well-being of the member company employees, contract employees, their families, and neighbors, here in Brazoria County. The BCPC motto is: Earn the publics’ trust every day.
Signing Day, when soon-to-be high school graduates pledge to attend a particular college or university, has always been considered a special occasion.
Now students who commit to a career in the skilled trades are being celebrated, too.
Brazoria County, Texas, high schools had a record turnout for this year’s Career Signing Day. Michael Martinez wanted to be an airline pilot. But as he got older, Martinez, now 18, decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional welder instead. In fact, the senior at Brazoswood High School in Clute, Texas, has already landed a job that will start immediately after graduation. “My dad always wanted me to be in the white-collar class,” he said, but “he’s proud of me.”
Wendy Irwin speaks to the crowd at Career Signing Day 2022.
In Texas, where Martinez lives, there are a growing number of industrial job openings but fewer people to fill them.
These seniors from Brazoria County, Texas high schools committed to full-time jobs on Career Signing Day, 2022. Photo: Billy Loveless, Brazosport College.
Part of the labor shortage is due to experienced workers aging out of the field, according to Chris Witte, a senior vice president and site leader for BASF, a chemical company in Freeport, Texas.
“We want to grow the talent pool and we want to give students opportunities,” Witte said. “The goal is to show them that these are very good, high-paying jobs.”
To encourage more students to consider careers in the field, Martinez’s school district hosts an annual Career Signing Day.
“This Career Signing Day came out of nowhere,” Martinez said. “I thought I might as well try it.”
More people are accustomed to the fanfare that surrounds signing days, when soon-to-be high school graduates pledge to attend a particular university.
For college-bound athletes headed to big-name schools, these occasions are particularly celebrated among friends, family and the community at large.
Now, school districts are throwing their support and praise behind high schoolers who make a similar commitment to a skilled trade.
“Just as we would celebrate a football player or any other athlete, we want to celebrate just as proudly our skilled tradesmen and women and their decision to pursue a career,” said Chelle Travis, executive director at SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit aimed at connecting students with technical careers.
Michael Martinez on Career Signing Day, 2022. Source: Harold Nicoll
“What they do is essential work.” This spring, more than 1,000 students across 33 states took part in Career Signing Day.
In Brazoria County, just south of Houston, 48 graduating seniors, including Martinez, signed for full-time jobs at one of the chemical and petrochemical companies that make up the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council.
This was Brazoria County’s fourth annual Career Signing Day and by far its most popular. More than twice as many students applied and were hired into full-time positions than last year.
“The response has been phenomenal,” said Aaron Ennis, a committee chair and resource development coordinator for the Brazosport Independent School District.
Adrianna Webster on Career Signing Day, 2022. Source: Harold Nicoll.
“We are on the cusp of being one of the largest signing days up and down the Gulf Coast,” he added. “That’s our goal.” To be considered, students must submit written applications, including an essay, and interview with hiring managers. “We need to know that these applicants are serious about their commitment because they can potentially last an entire career,” Ennis said.
“It is a rigorous process because these jobs represent a substantial investment by the contract and BCPC member companies,” he added, which now includes 25 employers, such as Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Dow, Huntsman and Vencorex.
“I was excited and scared because there were four girls that were [applying] and I wasn’t sure if all, or any, of us would get a job offer,” said Angleton High School senior Adrianna Webster.
Webster, 18, was one of the students offered a full-time position at KCG Industries as a welder, earning $16 an hour. “Nobody in my family has gone to college,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do; I thought welding looked interesting and I was good at it.”
She starts in July, after competing in a national welding competition (Webster is a Texas state welding champion). Increasingly, teenagers are rethinking the value of college.
Amid the heightened demand for workers, rising cost of tuition and growing student loan burden, more students are choosing career-connected pathways over four-year colleges, according to recent reports.
As enrollment falls, skilled trade programs are booming.The likelihood of attending a four-year school sank 20% in the last two years — down to 51%, from 71%, according to ECMC Group, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. ECMC Group polled more than 5,300 high school students five times since February 2020.
Meanwhile, more than one-third of high school students said they believed a career and technical educationcould lead them to success. “Today’s students have experienced the pandemic’s impact, and they want to forge their own path — a path that is shorter in duration, more affordable and connects directly to a career — especially a career in a field that needs workers,” said Jeremy Wheaton, ECMC Group’s president and CEO.
A separate study by YouthTruth, which polled more than 22,000 students in the class of 2022, found that more than one-quarter, or 28%, of high school seniors said their plans have changed since the start of the pandemic with fewer students interested in going to college at all.
