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.”
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.
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.
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.