Tag: Career Signing Day

BCPC Celebrates Future Workforce at 8th Annual Career Signing Day

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

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.

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

Posted on by tabithamwalles in News, Signing Day

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.

BCPC Career Signing Day Sets Record With 252 Applicants

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

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.