PetrochemWorks.com Matches Job Seekers with Real-Time Job Opportunities in the Petrochemical Industry

A new website that helps students and adults tap into career opportunities in the petrochemical industry -which is thriving during this downturn in the energy sector - is now available.

'Many of these careers are hidden in plain sight and once people know about them, they become interested because of the compensation, benefits and ability to have a life-long career at one employer,' said Craig Beskid, Executive Director of East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA).

PetrochemWorks.com is designed to help users land good-paying careers in the industry.  The site features includes interest-based Career Maps, educational resources and listings of open jobs to help users understand the prospects the industry offers, along with the skills and educational requirements they'll need to get there.

'Houston's petrochemical industry is hiring talented skilled workers,' said Roy Watson, Workforce Development Superintendent for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and Chair of EHCMA's Workforce Development Committee, 'This site is designed to help users discover the promise of this prosperous industry.  It's an exciting time for the industry, and this site will empower workers to take charge of their future.'

The platform was created through a unique partnership between JPMorgan Chase & Co., EHCMA and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). JPMorgan Chase invested $500,000 to develop the interactive, visually-engaging, and information-packed career exploration resource. The grant is part of the firm's $5 million commitment in Houston to support local, innovative programs that address the skills gap between unfilled jobs that pay a good wage and the many workers who are unemployed or underemployed.

'We know that people are much more likely to reach their career goals when they have a clear line-of-sight to their path forward,' said Carolyn Watson, head of philanthropy for JPMorgan Chase in Houston.  'We also know that currently there is a mismatch between employer needs and the skills of current job seekers. PetrochemWorks is a one-stop-shop to tackle this challenge head on.'

More than 150 petrochemical subject matter experts and dedicated project stakeholders from companies such as CP Chemical, Shell, LyondellBasell, ExxonMobil, Dow, TCP Group and Noltex contributed to the focus, content and outreach for the site.

PetrochemWorks.com is accessible across all platforms including phones and tablets. The site features information about 60 common industry positions, a matching tool to empower future workers to find careers tailored to their skills and interests, and career maps showing growth trajectories and career transitions.

EHCMA will maintain the website, providing resources and expertise for content curation, hosting, promotion and training activities. Learn more about the project here.