Tag: Skilled Trades

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.

Another Record Setting Number of Jobs Offered to High School Graduates from Brazoria County, Texas

Posted on by bcpetrocouncil

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.