AUSTIN – Exxon Mobil Corporation (ExxonMobil) was named the Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 17th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Dec. 4-6 in San Antonio. ExxonMobil was chosen as the Employer of the Year from among five exemplary finalists, and out of 25 private-sector employers. All nominees were recognized for contributions to their community’s workforce through innovation and collaboration with the Texas workforce system.
Energy company ExxonMobil has championed workforce and economic development statewide, and particularly in the Gulf Coast region. The company’s planned expansion in Baytown will create an estimated 10,000 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs. The company is investing in a workforce initiative program to recruit and train thousands of new workers for in-demand jobs in the greater Houston area in its chemical operations along the Gulf Coast. ExxonMobil’s $500,000 commitment to build an alliance with nine regional community colleges to fund the Community College Petrochemical Initiative further promotes training programs and recruitment of workers for high-paying jobs.
ExxonMobil also works with seven area K-12 schools in two school districts—providing funding, volunteers and actively participating in initiatives to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations. The company leads in STEM promotion by sponsoring the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair annually.
“I commend ExxonMobil for their collaboration with Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast and other workforce partners to positively impact their community,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Between the jobs the company has brought to the area, partnerships with economic development entities, and its efforts in readying the workforce, particularly in STEM education, ExxonMobil has been instrumental to the economic health of the Gulf Coast region and the state of Texas.”
The company has worked closely with Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast) in recruiting for new-hire process operators, its management serves in leadership positions with the Greater Houston Partnership and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, and the company works closely with the Baytown Economic Development Foundation, nonprofit organization Junior Achievement, the City of Baytown Summer Youth Work Program and United Way.
“ExxonMobil has thoughtfully invested its time and resources in the Gulf Coast area,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “The company’s leadership is engaged in the Gulf Coast community and through this successful public-private partnership, has advanced the Gulf Coast region’s economy and workforce. We want to thank ExxonMobil for its continued commitment and hard work to support success in this region and throughout our great state.”
Additionally, four other exemplary employer finalists for Texas Workforce Solutions Employer of the Year included:
Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar) was nominated by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas (Heart of Texas). The construction and mining equipment manufacturer located in Waco cross-trains its workers in different departments to increase employee skills, provide additional professional development opportunities and promote employee engagement. The company offers college tuition assistance to eligible employees and partners with local high schools, universities, colleges and community organizations to address workforce concerns and collaborate on training.
Durcon Incorporated (Durcon) was nominated by Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (Rural Capital). When the work surface manufacturer decided to relocate its nationwide manufacturing activities into its 120,000 square-foot production and warehouse facility in Taylor, the company was eager to work cooperatively with regional higher education organizations, Taylor Independent School District and Rural Capital. Durcon invested more than $7.5 million in its Taylor facility and has increased its workforce from 220 to 430.
GE Manufacturing Solutions (GE) was nominated by Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (Tarrant County) and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (North Central Texas) for its manufacturing site in north Fort Worth. The company has partnered with both boards to take an active role in school districts working on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects, and “Build Your Own” future workforce programs. The company has shown a commitment to hiring veterans and has taken the lead in advancing the National Association of Manufacturers’ veterans-credentialing initiative through its National Manufacturing Institute.
Village Farms of Monahans was nominated by Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande (Upper Rio Grande). The agricultural employer uses hydroponic climate control technology to grow crops in greenhouses. This allows the company to employ workers year-round and offer a higher-than-average hourly wage and benefits, rather than the traditional industry model which relies on contract migrant seasonal farm workers during a harvest season of only a few months.
Each of the 28 local workforce development boards recognized a Local Employer of Excellence at the conference. The award honors an employer that is actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and has made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.
Awards also were granted to local workforce development boards that provided outstanding services to Texas employers, workers, job-seekers and local communities. Additionally, monetary awards were given to the boards that were recognized for outstanding performance. Monetary awards will be used to enhance board service programs during the next year.
The primary goal of TWC and the workforce boards is to respond to the needs of Texas employers through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services.
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