Tag: Brazosport College

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

Posted on by tabithamwalles in News, Signing Day, Workforce Development

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.

BCPC Signing day celebrates the most students getting job offers

Posted on by bcpetrocouncil in News, Signing Day, Workforce Development

May 11, 2022

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 number of hires, spread across 18 companies, was the most in the four years of Career Signing Day, which took place Monday night at Associated Builders and Contractors in Freeport.

The offers for the students to step immediately into a trade followed the BCPC’s interview day April 21, during which each student could speak with four participating companies.

“About 70 students were interviewed and we had about 25 companies that came on board to interview with us, so we did over 280 interviews,” Brazosport ISD CTE Director Jessie Jennings said. “These students are here tonight to be recognized for their hard work and input that they’ve done these last four years. We’re so proud of each and every one of these students and we’re so grateful to the industry representatives.”

ICS Inc. hired the most students for the second year in a row, with seven agreeing to start their careers at the company.

“I’ve been involved with it since the start, and so we try to make sure we try to get as many of them as we can,” ICS General Manager Ray Lopez said. “They have to keep the position. We give them the job, but they have to work at it. This is helpful because there are not enough people. We hired seven people. It’s going to teach them about life because they’ve been sheltered. This gives them a different outlook. It will teach them a lot about life.”

Using the BCPC program and taking advantage of the growth of Career and Technical Education education in public schools benefits both the student and company, said Aaron Ennis, resource development director for Brazosport ISD who also serves as workforce development chairman for the BCPC.

“One thing I want to point out is that it couldn’t be done without the backbone of our community — contractors and all of the organizations that are willing to hire, train and educate the students,” he said. “With CTE, I believe it’s starting to hit the mainstream where our companies are starting to recognize that as a recruiting field for the future talent.”

Two of the new ICS hires were Angleton High School students Miguel Mendez and Andrew Lanzas.

“This is the greatest opportunity ever,” Lanzas said. “I’m glad I got the job offer. It’s amazing we get to start off this early with jobs this good. Also thinking about college, of course; that’s a big thing. I’m going to go bigger and make more money. That’s the goal.”

https://thefacts.com/news/article_4e389f55-89ee-54e7-8302-968859cf10ea.html

BCPC Completes One Million Dollar College Lab Donation

Posted on by bcpetrocouncil in News, Workforce Development

A One Million Dollar Commitment Completed

As it first appeared in The Facts.

The members of the BCPC contributed a total of one million dollars to Brazosport College for its Welding Lab.

The BCPC Completes One Million Dollar College Lab Donation. As a part of its ongoing commitment to the area’s workforce development, members of th

e Brazoria County Petrochemical Council recently completed their pledge to donate $1 million to the Welding Technologies Lab at Brazosport College. It is now officially known as the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council Welding Lab.

The donation to the BCPC Welding Technologies Lab, and support of local industry partners, has spawned new momentum for training and certification in the petrochemical trades. Brazosport College and the members of the BCPC are engaged in collaborative efforts to enhance the pipeline of students with dual credit classes, career and technology centers, plus other collaborative efforts, including the Veterans Career and Resource Fair, Signing Day and the Women in Industry Conference.

“Our members want to help develop and recruit local residents for lifelong careers in the petrochemical industry,” said Chris Witte, BASF senior vice president and chairman of the BCPC’s Workforce Development Committee. “These are positions with excellent pay and benefits that can support families, allow them to stay in the area, or take their skills to other parts of the country.”