BAYTOWN, Texas – ExxonMobil Corporation is kicking off a big expansion project in the Baytown area. A celebration of the construction start-up for the multibillion dollar Baytown area expansion project was held Friday morning.
The Baytown expansion will create 10,000 construction jobs, 4,000 related jobs and 350 permanent jobs at the site.
These positions provide competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. The expansion will also have a significant impact on the local community and help Houston enhance its position as "The Energy Capital of the World."
"In addition to that, we are going to train thousands of young people for high-paying careers in the chemical industry. It is a big deal from a jobs standpoint," said Steve Pryor, president of ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
When completed, the plant will produce high quality polyethylene, a material used to make everyday products from food packaging and water pipes to diapers. The expansion will create thousands of jobs, spur economic growth, and provide long-term stability to Houston and the Gulf Coast Region.
To help with the need for petrochemical workers, ExxonMobil has partnered with nine local community colleges to form the Community College Petrochemical Initiative. With job training program, students can earn two degrees.
"Long term, I'd like to trade in my work clothes for a suit and tie," said student Alejandro Valez. "This means a huge opportunity for me and my family. I'm excited opening a whole new career path for me. Stepping away from retail where I'm at right now."
Through the job training program, students can earn two-year degrees that will equip them with skills needed to obtain a career in the petrochemical field. Jobs in the industry offer competitive pay with average salaries of $99,000.
The plant is expected to start producing petro-chemicals in 2017.