workforce development

Building and sustaining a strong pipeline of qualified employees and contractors is a top priority for BCPC. Established in 2017, the BCPC Workforce Development Committee leads county-wide efforts to strengthen Brazoria County’s workforce through true collaboration among owner companies, construction contractors, community colleges, independent school districts, and economic development partners.

One of the committee’s signature achievements is Career Signing Day, a nationally recognized program that connects Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who have completed industrial-based coursework with real job opportunities in the petrochemical industry. Since its launch, Signing Day has helped place hundreds of students into meaningful careers.

The committee also works to increase industry understanding through student and educator plant tours, and BCPC member companies actively support the annual Women in Industry Conference, which introduces more than 1,000 high school and community college students to career pathways in petrochemical and construction fields.

BCPC is also developing a Durable Skills Assessment using the Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. This initiative provides approximately 150 high school seniors with a phased approach to learning and practicing key durable skills as they prepare for interviews and early employment in entry-level construction roles.

If you’re exploring career opportunities but aren’t sure where to start, visit PetrochemWorks.com, a tool that matches your skills, interests, and personality with real petrochemical career paths. For construction career exploration, check out Career Starter.

The Workforce Development Committee

Sponsor: Joe Bohon, Senior Site Integration Director, Dow

Chair: Aaron Ennis, President and CEO of Brazosport Safety Council

Members:

  • Anne Bartlett, Vice President of Industry and Community Resources, Brazosport College
  • Theresa Cravey, Director of Education, ABC Texas Gulf Coast
  • Jessica Douglas, Officer Manager, Workforce Solutions
  • Mou Sarkar, Director, Pearland Economic Development Corporation 
  • Jeff Vandergrifft, Regional Operations Manager, PMI
  • Jason Hanes, Training Coordinator, Chevron Phillips Chemical
  • Brandy Johanson, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education and Advanced Learning, Alvin ISD
  • Rebecca Fleming, Contract Operations Director, Dow
  • Kelly Smith, Sr. Workforce & Learning Development Specialist, BASF