WEBVTT
00:00:05.440 --> 00:00:15.919
Hello and welcome back to Gator Bytes, the official podcast of the large state of Georgia, where we give faculty, staff, and students to give the community an inside look into life here at LSEO.
00:00:16.079 --> 00:00:21.280
So today's episode is a rather special one as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:29.199
It's a nationwide effort to highlight the power of apprenticeship programs and the opportunities they create for students entering the workforce.
00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:42.479
So we're joined by representatives from Dow and one of our very own LSEO students to talk about how the Dow Apprenticeship Program is really helping students gain real-world experience while building a pathway into high-demand careers.
00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:51.679
So to get us started, uh could each of you briefly introduce yourselves and just tell our listeners maybe a little bit about the role that you have with Dow and with the Apprenticeship Program?
00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:52.320
All right.
00:00:52.399 --> 00:00:54.000
Well, I'm Larry Spears Jr.
00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:59.119
And I uh currently am working on my 25th year with Dow here in Orange, Texas.
00:00:59.200 --> 00:01:05.280
And I have the pleasure of working as the uh site operational excellence specialist.
00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:11.200
So I get to work with, yeah, I get to work with everyone across the site to help make everything better.
00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:12.480
Awesome.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:14.560
Yeah, so I am Milton Briggs.
00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:16.959
I am the early career programs leader.
00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:19.920
Uh the apprenticeship program falls under that umbrella.
00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:23.599
I will be 15 years uh on site this month.
00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:27.920
So been out there a little while, and uh I work with Mr.
00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:29.439
Spears daily.
00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:34.159
Uh we sit in the same hallway and again are able to kind of have impact across the site.
00:01:34.480 --> 00:01:34.879
Awesome.
00:01:35.120 --> 00:01:35.359
All right.
00:01:35.439 --> 00:01:37.040
Uh I'm Gabriel Torres.
00:01:37.359 --> 00:01:41.840
I'm currently a process operator apprentice in the Dow Apprenticeship Program.
00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:46.480
I work in the Beaumont Aniline operations plant and I'm a LSCO student.
00:01:46.879 --> 00:01:47.200
Awesome.
00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:50.640
And so you uh how long have you been at Dow and LSEO?
00:01:50.959 --> 00:01:52.959
Uh I'll make a year in June.
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:53.760
A year in June.
00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:54.239
Awesome.
00:01:54.400 --> 00:01:54.719
Yes, sir.
00:01:54.879 --> 00:01:55.200
Okay.
00:01:55.359 --> 00:02:02.640
So for someone that's just hearing about this for the first time, um, how would you describe this Dow internship program and why is it unique?
00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:07.840
So it's a really unique opportunity because you get quite a few benefits from it.
00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:09.520
One, you get to earn while you learn.
00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:10.560
Who doesn't want to do that?
00:02:10.719 --> 00:02:12.159
Make money while you're going to school.
00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:18.879
Uh we pay a very uh nice wage for um college-age students.
00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:22.319
We um we pay you to go to school.
00:02:22.479 --> 00:02:30.159
We pay for your school, we pay for you to go to class, we pay for you to study for those classes, and then we pay you to come on site for the remainder of your 40-hour week.
00:02:30.240 --> 00:02:35.120
So you're able to get a 40-hour check the entire time that you're seeking your college degree.
00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:53.520
And what really makes it unique is because you're going to school and you're learning whatever trade you're in, whether you're in gonna be in a maintenance or electrical or in uh Gabe's situation, an operator, you're taking these classes, and a lot of folks have said they have a hard time really understanding what they're doing because they don't have anything to compare it to.
00:02:53.840 --> 00:03:01.360
Well, in our program, because you're on site every week, you're able to take what you're learning in the classroom and immediately apply it.
00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:05.520
And so the connection is really increased on what you're learning.
00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:08.639
And so the the success rate seems to be much higher.
00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:10.719
Yeah, that's awesome.
00:03:11.039 --> 00:03:17.759
So what uh what are some specific careers that that these um apprenticeships can kind of go into?
00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:20.000
Where where does what what's the funnel for it?
00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:31.680
So originally it started out, it was uh traditionally just going to be process operators and uh maintenance type roles, so mill write mechanic, um electrical or instrumentation.
00:03:31.759 --> 00:03:32.879
That's kind of where the program started.
00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:39.360
It's where it started at for our site, uh, which we have the Sabine site and the Baumont Annland site together.
00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:41.199
We call them the East Texas Hub.
00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:43.680
Uh so we did that for quite a few years.
00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:57.919
Um, but I'm happy to say that this year, through work with uh LSCO and the great partners that we have in the um industrial manufacturing sector at LSCO, we have now been able to build a machinist program that has gone live.
00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:06.159
And so uh a program where people can go and learn about manual machining, it's really a dying trade uh as far as people that are in it.
00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:13.280
And we are approaching an age where there's a going to be a lot of turnover uh and nobody to backfill them.
00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:23.360
So with working with Lamar, uh Claren's been really big uh part of it, and then some other local, you know, privately owned machine shops.
00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:36.240
We've been able to work with uh Sean McFarlane and and Howard Bailey to get a program built that's gonna really give people an opportunity to step into a field that's not had a lot of uh promotion in the past years.
00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:39.519
And then uh I'm currently working uh with Mr.
00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:45.759
Dwayne Shaw from LSCO to build a program for a laboratory technician to work in an analytical lab.
00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:56.399
A lot of companies have historically used uh people with a four-year degree in chemistry and things of that nature, and it's gotten kind of hard to find uh available personnel.
00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:59.839
And so they're really highly sought after that.
00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:11.279
Because I mean that's it's an old as far as manufacturing goes, I don't care what field of manufacturing, whether you're chemical, whether you're oil and gas, you've got to have these analytical labs so that you can understand your quality.
00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:12.959
You can do RD.
00:05:13.199 --> 00:05:17.120
And so it's a it's a huge need, and it's getting kind of hard to do that.
00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:27.920
And so again, uh LSCO has been so great to work with because they want to provide the need for the area, for local industry, for the community, and then all other businesses in the area.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:36.079
So uh this year for the first time, we will be bringing in uh machinists and uh laboratory technicians in addition to process operators.
00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:37.839
So that's generally what you'll see.
00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:39.040
Yeah, that's incredible.
00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:42.800
So um, Gabriel, why don't you tell us a little bit kind of just about yourself?
00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:45.920
What led you to pursue this apprenticeship pathway?
00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:46.720
All right.
00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:49.279
Uh so I have a maintenance background.
00:05:49.439 --> 00:05:53.600
Uh when I was I was in the Marine Corps and I was essentially a diesel mechanic.
00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:56.639
I worked on like construction equipment and stuff like that.
00:05:56.879 --> 00:06:05.279
And uh I got out in 22 and I kind of had some irregular jobs, and then I found myself back in the like maintenance sector of the industry.
00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:05.600
Yeah.
00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:15.120
And I um fixed and maintained rotating equipment, like pumps and compressors that came out of the uh plants and refineries in the area.
00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:19.519
And um that kind of scratched that mechanic side for me.
00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:26.800
But seeing that equipment come out, it kind of put me more in the mindset of this is something that's inside the plants and refineries, you know.
00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:32.319
Because I'm I'm from around here, so I grew up around here, and you all you can't go around here and not see the plants, right?
00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:33.439
But you never see people.
00:06:33.519 --> 00:06:34.480
You never see who's in there.
00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:36.079
You don't know really what's going on.
00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:36.319
Yeah.
00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:45.519
And so seeing this equipment come out of there and knowing like this is something that's kind of playing a role in the process really kind of piqued my interest into operations, you know.
00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:48.639
And we also worked hand in hand with uh process operators.
00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:52.879
They would come in and we would tell them, you know, this is what might have led to your equipment failing.
00:06:53.040 --> 00:07:02.079
And so kind of talking to them, picking their brain a little bit kind of really got me interested in what they do, aside from like maintenance to kind of switch over to operations.
00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:10.160
So yeah, that's a that's a good background to come from that that mechanic side too, to go into the process operating side, because there's only there's only so much your equipment's gonna be able to do, right?
00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:10.560
Exactly.
00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:16.639
And as an operator, you want to know what that threshold is, but also what the uh optimum threshold is too.
00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:36.240
So yeah, we we've seen where uh folks that have come out of the maintenance side of things and move into the operations that they make phenomenal operators and vice versa, folks that are operators that go into maintenance because you have a holistic understanding of the equipment, what it's capable of, what you can do, what you can't do.
00:07:36.720 --> 00:07:43.120
Um and so Gabe was a huge addition to the program with his background moving into that operation side.
00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:45.120
I think that's why he's been so successful.
00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:46.560
That's awesome.
00:07:46.800 --> 00:07:53.199
So, what surprises people most when they start working in an industrial, an industrial setting kind of like this with Dell?
00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:55.279
What do you think surprises them most?
00:07:56.879 --> 00:08:05.680
Well, I think what surprises them the most is they find out that there's so much more to it than just um a company that we end up being like we're family.
00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:09.519
I spend more time with Milton and others in our hallway.
00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:11.199
When we get to work at 6 a.m.
00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:16.959
and we leave at 4 p.m., you know, I've had like 10 or 11 hours in the day, depending on what time we get there.
00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:19.360
But by the time I get home, my kids are home at five.
00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:21.519
We're in the bed by 8:30, 9 o'clock.
00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:24.560
So four hours with my family, 10 hours with the guys.
00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:26.879
So um, but but more than that, it's a culture.
00:08:26.959 --> 00:08:28.480
Like we have a great culture out there.
00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:30.399
Dow has been really good to us.
00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:35.120
And we're just like, we we really are doing our best to try to make the most of each and every day.
00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:44.480
And I think that's what shocks a lot of people is when they find out that it's there's so much more to it than just clocking in the gate that you know people do bring their whole selves to work.
00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:46.639
And it's it's been a it's been an honor.
00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:47.279
Yeah.
00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:50.320
And Gabe, you've kind of experienced this from the the fresh side of it.
00:08:50.399 --> 00:08:52.240
You know, you've seen these guys have been here for a while.
00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:55.440
I assume you work with people that have been at Dow for quite some time.
00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:56.399
Oh, definitely.
00:08:56.720 --> 00:09:01.279
So what it what do you see in those group of people that make you want to be a part of something like this?
00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:07.519
Really, the the way they welcome you into the team and make you feel like you're a part of something bigger than just a job.
00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:08.320
You know what I mean?
00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:10.559
Like uh their willingness to teach you.
00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:12.559
If you're willing to learn, they're willing to teach, you know.
00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:19.840
And that's like really uh something I really like, you know, like being a part of a culture that's just more than the job, like like Mr.
00:09:19.919 --> 00:09:20.720
Spears said.
00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:26.480
So then uh kind of how do you pair that with the stuff that you're learning in the classroom and then moving that into what you're doing in the field?
00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:28.720
How do those two things relate to each other?
00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:42.879
Um LSEO has a good program that definitely teaches you like ethics aside from just doing a job, you know, like how to do a job, but how to also get along with your coworkers and how to be a part of a team, you know.
00:09:42.960 --> 00:09:46.879
If you're not used to being a part of a team, kind of how to get ready to be a part of one, you know.
00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:47.279
Yeah.
00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:50.399
Uh and I definitely see that with the team I work with.
00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:52.000
Everybody takes care of each other.
00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:54.399
If you don't know something, you're not afraid to ask.
00:09:54.559 --> 00:09:55.679
They make sure that they tell you that.
00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:58.240
Like, hey, if you don't know something, you know, reach out to somebody.
00:09:58.320 --> 00:10:01.440
That way we can get you educated on what you don't know, you know.
00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:06.960
So uh definitely classroom and real world do go hand in hand.
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:15.039
And there's that that mindset of, you know, there's only certain things that you can learn in the classroom, and then there's only certain things you can learn on the job, too, right?
00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:16.320
So talk about that.
00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:16.879
Yeah.
00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:35.279
So I mean, for example, uh to kind of piggyback off of Gabe and saying how good the program is here, one of the best things that I've I've found that we've gotten out of LSEO um is the fame chapter that we initially started with just the electromechanical program, but it's being bridged across into some other fields now.
00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:48.480
Um, because there's such a heavy focus on the professional skills, the the managing of schedule, how to speak, how to deliver presentations, those soft skills that really aren't taught anywhere.
00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:55.840
And a lot of times folks end up in the workplace and have never had any exposure to it or don't know how to interact in those types of situations.
00:10:55.919 --> 00:11:09.919
And so it's really um been a great blessing to watch these young people and even those of us that are, you know, not quite so young anymore, uh be able to get polished on some skills that that are almost a forgotten skill.
00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:10.639
Yeah.
00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:14.879
Yeah, but the other and the other good side of that too is so you have this curriculum, right?
00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:27.120
You have all these books and you have all this uh agendas and things that you learn, and then you get out there and you find out that kicking that pump twice and doing this or that to it is what makes it actually work better.
00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:40.720
So it's like there's definitely the part that you have to understand before you go out there, but then they have to understand that that pump's been there 75 years and kicking it, doing this, you know, twisting it backwards two times, that's what makes it pump better.
00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:45.519
So uh being able to show that to some of the young guys, it's also fun as well.
00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:59.360
Oh, yeah, because there's there's definitely stuff out there that you know you gotta you gotta jiggle this switch and you gotta tap on that gauge, and then you can so there is, and that's the that part that you talk about where you only learn it by being on the job and in the field.
00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:04.879
And so it the program really does allow you to bridge that gap to where you need to have learnings in both spaces.
00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:09.200
And I think that's the way it it should have been all along with education too, right?
00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.080
That's how it started.
00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:24.559
That's how absolutely that's how education was really intended to be was that you get on the job and you you learn these things, you you're you're building careers, you're building pathways, these trades, craft skills, all those things, and being able to relate what you've learned in a classroom with what you do on the job.
00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:30.960
And I think that's uh sometimes where education misses it is, you know, it it's great in theory, but is it great in practice?
00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:33.600
So um, I love that that's what this apprenticeship does.
00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:42.480
So um can Gabriel, can you kind of share maybe a moment during this apprenticeship that you've been a part of where you thought maybe um, hey, this is exactly why I chose this path?
00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.600
Oh, definitely.
00:12:43.759 --> 00:13:11.039
I would say when I got to Beaumont and started learning the actual process, like what we do, what we make, and the end result, and learning how to draw out the unit, uh going out into the unit for like field walks and tracing lines and stuff like that, and actually being there and then in that setting, you know, um made me realize like, yeah, I'm I'm glad I'm here, you know, and how quick I picked up on it made me realize like, like, yeah, I got a knack for this, you know.
00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.320
Yeah, I love that.
00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:13.200
That's awesome.
00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:18.799
So, Milton Larry, what uh what what excites you guys about the the future of this apprenticeship program the most?
00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:25.759
Uh the fact that the Dow has invested in it and they see the value in it and they want to continue to invest in it.
00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:38.399
Um it's given us a channel of of bringing people into the company that has provided a really good um and high retention funnel of bringing folks in.
00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:45.120
So what we've seen is that folks that have come in through the apprenticeship funnel tend to have the highest retention percentage that we've got.
00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:55.679
Um so that's very exciting in a in a time where, especially in Southeast Texas, where you've got we've got what three uh facilities being built within a 35 mile radius right now.
00:13:55.919 --> 00:13:57.519
Massive retention is huge.
00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:00.639
I mean, and so this is a way that we're able to do that.
00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:13.679
Um, we're able to invest in folks, and because we're investing in them to get kind of get them starting their career, um, there's kind of a bond that's formed there that I think is what holds people uh to stay with the company.
00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:16.240
So that that's one of the big things for me.
00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:18.639
Okay, can I jump in for a please do?
00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:21.120
All right, let me like what watch this one-minute segment here.
00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:21.679
Here we go.
00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:25.440
So when you when here's what I see, he's not gonna say it, but I'm gonna say it.
00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:32.879
What I'm proud of is I have a brother here that when you ask what's the apprenticeship program, what does it matter?
00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:49.120
When I've seen the work that he done that he's done and what he does, when you walk into a local high school and these young adults, these young students, men and women, young men, young women, now have hope and you see it in their eyes.
00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:52.080
And they know that they have a chance.
00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:58.559
And they know that they're able to go to a place like LSEO, I call y'all, the generational game changers.
00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:02.720
But to see these young people now know that it's possible.
00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:14.240
And to, and and it just it's a feeling that you can't describe because now you're providing them with an opportunity that will change their lives forever, that will give them a better opportunity for their families.
00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:23.519
If they want to have children, if they want to buy a house, a truck, a boat, a car, or you know, cook all the time, whatever it is that you want to do, they now have that opportunity.
00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:30.080
And so their parents may have never had a college education, or their parents may never have had a plant job, but always wanted one.
00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:32.080
And now they get a shot at it.
00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:32.320
Yeah.
00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:34.159
That's what I love about this program.
00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:37.360
And it it goes so much about community too.
00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:40.480
You know, you're building community through this, but you know, you're from this area you talked about, right?
00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.039
Yes, sir.
00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:42.000
We're all from this area.
00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:42.879
We're all from Orange.
00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:44.879
We've all born and raised in this area.
00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:47.919
And we see people come in from the outside and there, it we welcome them in.
00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:48.480
We love it.
00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:56.559
We you become part of the community, but there's something different about being able to work with your neighbors, being able to work with your community because there's a different level of support.
00:15:56.720 --> 00:16:07.360
And so that's something I do think people do need to be aware of is if you're from this area and you want to stay here and you want to build a career here, there are plenty of places and plenty of areas to do that.
00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:12.799
And I think this Dow Apprenticeship is one of the best examples of that, is that this is a grow your own mentality, right?
00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:13.759
Oh, absolutely.
00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:14.960
And that's the intent of it.
00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:17.440
We, you know, bring people in, give them an opportunity.
00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:21.600
Um, and and like Larry said, I mean, hit the nail on the head.
00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:32.559
This is, and it's not just the program, it's LSCO, what it provides, it's the other companies around here that are involved, whether it's through fame or other private uh apprenticeship programs.
00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:38.320
These these programs can literally change generations of a family.
00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:43.919
And uh, if that doesn't bring you joy and excitement, then you need to check your pulse because that's huge.
00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:48.879
Yeah, it literally makes my day to walk in the room behind him and see their faces.
00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.679
It's like Christmas.
00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:51.279
They're like, Milton's here.
00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.159
I love that.
00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.039
You know what I mean?
00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:57.600
Yeah, because at one time LSEO was just like, I don't want to go to college here locally.
00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:59.919
Now it's the hottest spot, baby.
00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.559
You know what I'm saying?
00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:04.160
Yeah, I mean, enrollment records have been broken for the last several semesters.
00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:04.480
Yep.
00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:09.279
Um, the process technology program, uh, the last semester, I don't know what it is currently this one.
00:17:09.359 --> 00:17:10.240
I haven't talked to Mr.
00:17:10.319 --> 00:17:19.119
Ramsey, but 67% of the people enrolled in process technology were dual credit high school students.
00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:38.480
We've got an opportunity for folks to graduate high school, some of them even 17 years old, to be over halfway complete with their degree to go get their foot in the door at one of our local companies and start contributing not only for themselves and providing for themselves and their family, but to the community and giving back.
00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:42.079
And so uh I'm just excited to be a part, a part of it.
00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:46.400
I'm thankful for the apprenticeship program by me being afforded that opportunity.
00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:55.599
I'm now I sit on every single uh board around here, around Orange, Bridge City, Orange Field, LCM, West Orange for all their CTE programs.
00:17:55.759 --> 00:18:00.079
I'm able to have uh the opportunity to give insight into what industry is looking for.
00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.519
I'm sitting on the board with fame.
00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:08.480
So I'm working with other local industry partners and we're all just trying to pour in to the community to give back because it's been so good to us.
00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:19.119
Well, and I think that's also something important to mention, too, is that you know, these programs that are being developed here at the college, they're not just created in a vacuum where it's like, oh, well, hey, this is what the curriculum should be.
00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:26.960
These are programs that are being developed by uh a board of advisors that are coming in and saying, this is what we need in the workplace and this is what needs to be taught.
00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:30.400
And so LSEO is turning around and going, awesome, help us build the courses.
00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:32.240
Hey, do you have somebody to teach it?
00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:33.039
You know, even that.
00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.240
We've had many conversations.
00:18:34.640 --> 00:18:41.759
The majority of our instructors that are here have had a wealthy career in the industry or in that sector that they're they're teaching in.
00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:46.640
And I think that's something that's incredible that you don't typically find in general education settings.
00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.519
So absolutely.
00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:54.480
Yeah, we we currently have uh a Dow employee uh who's teaching some night classes here as part of their operations program.
00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:58.960
So it's really neat to see people uh get to get back in all the different ways.
00:18:59.119 --> 00:19:05.119
I mean, um, I got my associate's degree from here uh quite some many years ago.
00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:08.319
And uh that's kind of what got me started was doing that.
00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:11.440
So it's neat to kind of come full circle and and see all that come back.
00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:18.720
So hearing all this, you know, that this is this is something that's new to you, but uh, where do you see yourself, you know, 10, 15 years from now?
00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:21.839
Do you see yourself sitting in those chairs talking about the same program like they are?
00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:23.279
Uh definitely.
00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:28.960
This program has not only changed my life, but my family's life, like Milton and Mr.
00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:29.680
Spears said.
00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:32.160
Like, I'm so just grateful.
00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:37.839
Every time I wake up and know, like I get to go to class, you know, and it's paid for by Dow.
00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:43.039
And when I do go to the plant, like it has always been a dream of mine to be here, you know.
00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:47.039
Uh so definitely like the loyalty is there with the company.
00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:48.799
They gave me a chance, and that's all I needed.
00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:51.119
That's all I ever wanted was just a chance, you know.
00:19:51.279 --> 00:20:05.440
Uh, so I definitely see myself 10, 15 years, you know, if not moving up in operations, extending somewhere else within Dow, you know, because that's one thing about Dow, they will always give you an opportunity to grow within the company and they encourage it.
00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:08.400
So it's it's definitely something I would consider.
00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:16.319
So if a high school or a college student is listening right now and they think uh they're thinking about applying, um, what advice are you gonna give them?
00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:18.000
You're too late.
00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:24.480
So yeah, no, uh, our program is closed for this year as far as the application prox process.
00:20:24.559 --> 00:20:26.160
Um, but be on the lookout.
00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:28.319
Uh it's gonna post in January every year.
00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:28.720
Yep.
00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:33.680
Um, usually the first Monday, if not the first, then it'll be the second Monday, something around that.
00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:38.480
Uh we do a big blitz when it comes to um marketing.
00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:40.319
Um we put it on Facebook pages.
00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:46.319
You guys have have uh posted it for us, uh, just like we kind of return the favor with the fame program and getting out there.
00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:53.039
Um but the first thing is do your research, kind of understand what industry is, see if it's something that you really would like to do.
00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:53.599
Yeah.
00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:56.799
Um, and if you think it is, then go ahead and enroll.
00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:57.920
You can start taking classes.
00:20:58.079 --> 00:21:01.599
I can take people into this program that are up to the halfway mark.
00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:04.640
So you can go ahead and start classes while you're waiting.
00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:09.920
Um when we do the hiring, make sure your resumes are up to snuff.
00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:15.599
There, there's plenty of opportunity and help here at uh the college to get those resumes ready.
00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:21.279
Participate in every mock interview opportunity that you have.
00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:26.720
Uh, most of the folks in the that are applying for this program are 25 and under.
00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:33.519
We we do have some in all demographics, but the majority is that senior in high school up to about 25 years of age.
00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:40.640
And there's a lot of those folks that have never sat in a room with four or five people staring at you and grilling you with questions.
00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.759
It can be nerve wracking.
00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:46.960
I remember the first time I did it, I think I was 20 or 21, and it was a culture shock.
00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:53.599
So take advantage of those opportunities, you know, where you've got the resume writing classes, you've got the mock interview opportunities.
00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:59.440
When they do site tours, there's a lot of a lot of companies that will allow college students to come on site with the school.
00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:03.839
Uh Even the high schools, we're working on getting them in here to into the different sites to do that.
00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:05.200
To go see what it's about.
00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.319
Start talking to people.
00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:13.599
I mean, the odds are you live in Southeast Texas, you're either a teacher, you're in the medical field, or you work in the plant.
00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:15.519
That's the top three in the area, hands down.
00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.039
So you know somebody.
00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:18.720
Start having those conversations.
00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.680
Get some insight.
00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:20.559
Pick their brain.
00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.920
It's not for everybody.
00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:23.920
Some people don't want to work shift work.
00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.880
They don't want to do that.
00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.400
Some people are like, this is great.
00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:30.480
I can go fishing during the middle of the week when nobody else is on the lake.
00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:33.599
Or I can go play golf when there's less people on the golf course.
00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:35.519
So have those conversations.
00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.319
Do your homework.
00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:38.319
Talk to your counselors if you're still in high school.
00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:43.440
There, when we come to the high schools to talk, um, and it's not just Dow that does it, there's a lot of different groups.
00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:51.599
LSCO has done a great job for the last year about putting on these CT events where we come in and we talk about all the different career opportunities.
00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.119
Because it's not just operator maintenance.
00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.480
You've got the maritime program.
00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:57.359
People think maritime, well, that's the big, the big barges out there.
00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.559
Yeah, guess where they come?
00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:00.319
They come to these plants to get loaded.
00:23:00.400 --> 00:23:02.559
So it there's a connection there as well.
00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:09.200
And so Well, and Dow's also an ecosystem, too, with it with uh Yeah, we we are a standalone facility.
00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:11.440
We can survive without any infrastructure.
00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:14.480
We generate our own power, our own water, steam, we do it all.
00:23:14.640 --> 00:23:17.599
Now we're connected to the grid, and and that's part of our business model.
00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:20.799
But if we have to, we can go into essentially island mode.
00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.119
Um and there's a lot of companies that are like that.
00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:23.759
Yeah.
00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:27.200
And they need accountants, they need jargon.
00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:27.599
Oh, yeah.
00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:30.880
You need uh communications people nurses, everything, marketing.
00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:40.480
I mean, we we've got we've got public affairs, we've got um if you basically uh what's the the analogy you use with the city?
00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:47.279
Um if it inv if uh if it in if the role is within a city, it's within the site or something like that.
00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.319
How do you however was?
00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.839
Yeah, it pretty much is the same.
00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:55.599
It's like people don't realize my fine when you say like what's the realization, because I mean we have our own cafeteria.
00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:57.279
We have the people that pick up the trash.
00:23:57.359 --> 00:23:59.119
We have that's why we're overweight.
00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:02.160
Yeah, but we uh we've got a lot, you know.
00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.839
And so yeah, it's been crazy.
00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:07.519
You know, my dad worked there before me, so I feel like loyal.
00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:13.599
I want to be loyal to this place, um, especially being able to serve in the capacity that I have outside of the site.
00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.680
You know, like Haley's is home.
00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:19.759
And so I'm always gonna push who we are and what we have to offer.
00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:22.240
And it's just, it's just, it's really been a blessing.
00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.599
Yeah, that's awesome.
00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:31.279
Uh well, apprenticeship programs like this one show just how powerful the combination of education and hands-on experience can be.
00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:38.799
And we're proud to partner with this organization like with organizations like Dow to create meaningful opportunities for our students and our community.
00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:41.359
So thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:48.720
And then be sure to keep up with the latest Gator Bite podcast episodes on the LSDO website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:52.799
Thanks for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you another conversation soon.
00:00:05.440 --> 00:00:15.919
Hello and welcome back to Gator Bytes, the official podcast of the large state of Georgia, where we give faculty, staff, and students to give the community an inside look into life here at LSEO.
00:00:16.079 --> 00:00:21.280
So today's episode is a rather special one as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:29.199
It's a nationwide effort to highlight the power of apprenticeship programs and the opportunities they create for students entering the workforce.
00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:42.479
So we're joined by representatives from Dow and one of our very own LSEO students to talk about how the Dow Apprenticeship Program is really helping students gain real-world experience while building a pathway into high-demand careers.
00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:51.679
So to get us started, uh could each of you briefly introduce yourselves and just tell our listeners maybe a little bit about the role that you have with Dow and with the Apprenticeship Program?
00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:52.320
All right.
00:00:52.399 --> 00:00:54.000
Well, I'm Larry Spears Jr.
00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:59.119
And I uh currently am working on my 25th year with Dow here in Orange, Texas.
00:00:59.200 --> 00:01:05.280
And I have the pleasure of working as the uh site operational excellence specialist.
00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:11.200
So I get to work with, yeah, I get to work with everyone across the site to help make everything better.
00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:12.480
Awesome.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:14.560
Yeah, so I am Milton Briggs.
00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:16.959
I am the early career programs leader.
00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:19.920
Uh the apprenticeship program falls under that umbrella.
00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:23.599
I will be 15 years uh on site this month.
00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:27.920
So been out there a little while, and uh I work with Mr.
00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:29.439
Spears daily.
00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:34.159
Uh we sit in the same hallway and again are able to kind of have impact across the site.
00:01:34.480 --> 00:01:34.879
Awesome.
00:01:35.120 --> 00:01:35.359
All right.
00:01:35.439 --> 00:01:37.040
Uh I'm Gabriel Torres.
00:01:37.359 --> 00:01:41.840
I'm currently a process operator apprentice in the Dow Apprenticeship Program.
00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:46.480
I work in the Beaumont Aniline operations plant and I'm a LSCO student.
00:01:46.879 --> 00:01:47.200
Awesome.
00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:50.640
And so you uh how long have you been at Dow and LSEO?
00:01:50.959 --> 00:01:52.959
Uh I'll make a year in June.
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:53.760
A year in June.
00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:54.239
Awesome.
00:01:54.400 --> 00:01:54.719
Yes, sir.
00:01:54.879 --> 00:01:55.200
Okay.
00:01:55.359 --> 00:02:02.640
So for someone that's just hearing about this for the first time, um, how would you describe this Dow internship program and why is it unique?
00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:07.840
So it's a really unique opportunity because you get quite a few benefits from it.
00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:09.520
One, you get to earn while you learn.
00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:10.560
Who doesn't want to do that?
00:02:10.719 --> 00:02:12.159
Make money while you're going to school.
00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:18.879
Uh we pay a very uh nice wage for um college-age students.
00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:22.319
We um we pay you to go to school.
00:02:22.479 --> 00:02:30.159
We pay for your school, we pay for you to go to class, we pay for you to study for those classes, and then we pay you to come on site for the remainder of your 40-hour week.
00:02:30.240 --> 00:02:35.120
So you're able to get a 40-hour check the entire time that you're seeking your college degree.
00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:53.520
And what really makes it unique is because you're going to school and you're learning whatever trade you're in, whether you're in gonna be in a maintenance or electrical or in uh Gabe's situation, an operator, you're taking these classes, and a lot of folks have said they have a hard time really understanding what they're doing because they don't have anything to compare it to.
00:02:53.840 --> 00:03:01.360
Well, in our program, because you're on site every week, you're able to take what you're learning in the classroom and immediately apply it.
00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:05.520
And so the connection is really increased on what you're learning.
00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:08.639
And so the the success rate seems to be much higher.
00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:10.719
Yeah, that's awesome.
00:03:11.039 --> 00:03:17.759
So what uh what are some specific careers that that these um apprenticeships can kind of go into?
00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:20.000
Where where does what what's the funnel for it?
00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:31.680
So originally it started out, it was uh traditionally just going to be process operators and uh maintenance type roles, so mill write mechanic, um electrical or instrumentation.
00:03:31.759 --> 00:03:32.879
That's kind of where the program started.
00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:39.360
It's where it started at for our site, uh, which we have the Sabine site and the Baumont Annland site together.
00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:41.199
We call them the East Texas Hub.
00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:43.680
Uh so we did that for quite a few years.
00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:57.919
Um, but I'm happy to say that this year, through work with uh LSCO and the great partners that we have in the um industrial manufacturing sector at LSCO, we have now been able to build a machinist program that has gone live.
00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:06.159
And so uh a program where people can go and learn about manual machining, it's really a dying trade uh as far as people that are in it.
00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:13.280
And we are approaching an age where there's a going to be a lot of turnover uh and nobody to backfill them.
00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:23.360
So with working with Lamar, uh Claren's been really big uh part of it, and then some other local, you know, privately owned machine shops.
00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:36.240
We've been able to work with uh Sean McFarlane and and Howard Bailey to get a program built that's gonna really give people an opportunity to step into a field that's not had a lot of uh promotion in the past years.
00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:39.519
And then uh I'm currently working uh with Mr.
00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:45.759
Dwayne Shaw from LSCO to build a program for a laboratory technician to work in an analytical lab.
00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:56.399
A lot of companies have historically used uh people with a four-year degree in chemistry and things of that nature, and it's gotten kind of hard to find uh available personnel.
00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:59.839
And so they're really highly sought after that.
00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:11.279
Because I mean that's it's an old as far as manufacturing goes, I don't care what field of manufacturing, whether you're chemical, whether you're oil and gas, you've got to have these analytical labs so that you can understand your quality.
00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:12.959
You can do RD.
00:05:13.199 --> 00:05:17.120
And so it's a it's a huge need, and it's getting kind of hard to do that.
00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:27.920
And so again, uh LSCO has been so great to work with because they want to provide the need for the area, for local industry, for the community, and then all other businesses in the area.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:36.079
So uh this year for the first time, we will be bringing in uh machinists and uh laboratory technicians in addition to process operators.
00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:37.839
So that's generally what you'll see.
00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:39.040
Yeah, that's incredible.
00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:42.800
So um, Gabriel, why don't you tell us a little bit kind of just about yourself?
00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:45.920
What led you to pursue this apprenticeship pathway?
00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:46.720
All right.
00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:49.279
Uh so I have a maintenance background.
00:05:49.439 --> 00:05:53.600
Uh when I was I was in the Marine Corps and I was essentially a diesel mechanic.
00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:56.639
I worked on like construction equipment and stuff like that.
00:05:56.879 --> 00:06:05.279
And uh I got out in 22 and I kind of had some irregular jobs, and then I found myself back in the like maintenance sector of the industry.
00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:05.600
Yeah.
00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:15.120
And I um fixed and maintained rotating equipment, like pumps and compressors that came out of the uh plants and refineries in the area.
00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:19.519
And um that kind of scratched that mechanic side for me.
00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:26.800
But seeing that equipment come out, it kind of put me more in the mindset of this is something that's inside the plants and refineries, you know.
00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:32.319
Because I'm I'm from around here, so I grew up around here, and you all you can't go around here and not see the plants, right?
00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:33.439
But you never see people.
00:06:33.519 --> 00:06:34.480
You never see who's in there.
00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:36.079
You don't know really what's going on.
00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:36.319
Yeah.
00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:45.519
And so seeing this equipment come out of there and knowing like this is something that's kind of playing a role in the process really kind of piqued my interest into operations, you know.
00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:48.639
And we also worked hand in hand with uh process operators.
00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:52.879
They would come in and we would tell them, you know, this is what might have led to your equipment failing.
00:06:53.040 --> 00:07:02.079
And so kind of talking to them, picking their brain a little bit kind of really got me interested in what they do, aside from like maintenance to kind of switch over to operations.
00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:10.160
So yeah, that's a that's a good background to come from that that mechanic side too, to go into the process operating side, because there's only there's only so much your equipment's gonna be able to do, right?
00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:10.560
Exactly.
00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:16.639
And as an operator, you want to know what that threshold is, but also what the uh optimum threshold is too.
00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:36.240
So yeah, we we've seen where uh folks that have come out of the maintenance side of things and move into the operations that they make phenomenal operators and vice versa, folks that are operators that go into maintenance because you have a holistic understanding of the equipment, what it's capable of, what you can do, what you can't do.
00:07:36.720 --> 00:07:43.120
Um and so Gabe was a huge addition to the program with his background moving into that operation side.
00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:45.120
I think that's why he's been so successful.
00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:46.560
That's awesome.
00:07:46.800 --> 00:07:53.199
So, what surprises people most when they start working in an industrial, an industrial setting kind of like this with Dell?
00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:55.279
What do you think surprises them most?
00:07:56.879 --> 00:08:05.680
Well, I think what surprises them the most is they find out that there's so much more to it than just um a company that we end up being like we're family.
00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:09.519
I spend more time with Milton and others in our hallway.
00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:11.199
When we get to work at 6 a.m.
00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:16.959
and we leave at 4 p.m., you know, I've had like 10 or 11 hours in the day, depending on what time we get there.
00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:19.360
But by the time I get home, my kids are home at five.
00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:21.519
We're in the bed by 8:30, 9 o'clock.
00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:24.560
So four hours with my family, 10 hours with the guys.
00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:26.879
So um, but but more than that, it's a culture.
00:08:26.959 --> 00:08:28.480
Like we have a great culture out there.
00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:30.399
Dow has been really good to us.
00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:35.120
And we're just like, we we really are doing our best to try to make the most of each and every day.
00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:44.480
And I think that's what shocks a lot of people is when they find out that it's there's so much more to it than just clocking in the gate that you know people do bring their whole selves to work.
00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:46.639
And it's it's been a it's been an honor.
00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:47.279
Yeah.
00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:50.320
And Gabe, you've kind of experienced this from the the fresh side of it.
00:08:50.399 --> 00:08:52.240
You know, you've seen these guys have been here for a while.
00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:55.440
I assume you work with people that have been at Dow for quite some time.
00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:56.399
Oh, definitely.
00:08:56.720 --> 00:09:01.279
So what it what do you see in those group of people that make you want to be a part of something like this?
00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:07.519
Really, the the way they welcome you into the team and make you feel like you're a part of something bigger than just a job.
00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:08.320
You know what I mean?
00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:10.559
Like uh their willingness to teach you.
00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:12.559
If you're willing to learn, they're willing to teach, you know.
00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:19.840
And that's like really uh something I really like, you know, like being a part of a culture that's just more than the job, like like Mr.
00:09:19.919 --> 00:09:20.720
Spears said.
00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:26.480
So then uh kind of how do you pair that with the stuff that you're learning in the classroom and then moving that into what you're doing in the field?
00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:28.720
How do those two things relate to each other?
00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:42.879
Um LSEO has a good program that definitely teaches you like ethics aside from just doing a job, you know, like how to do a job, but how to also get along with your coworkers and how to be a part of a team, you know.
00:09:42.960 --> 00:09:46.879
If you're not used to being a part of a team, kind of how to get ready to be a part of one, you know.
00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:47.279
Yeah.
00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:50.399
Uh and I definitely see that with the team I work with.
00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:52.000
Everybody takes care of each other.
00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:54.399
If you don't know something, you're not afraid to ask.
00:09:54.559 --> 00:09:55.679
They make sure that they tell you that.
00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:58.240
Like, hey, if you don't know something, you know, reach out to somebody.
00:09:58.320 --> 00:10:01.440
That way we can get you educated on what you don't know, you know.
00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:06.960
So uh definitely classroom and real world do go hand in hand.
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:15.039
And there's that that mindset of, you know, there's only certain things that you can learn in the classroom, and then there's only certain things you can learn on the job, too, right?
00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:16.320
So talk about that.
00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:16.879
Yeah.
00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:35.279
So I mean, for example, uh to kind of piggyback off of Gabe and saying how good the program is here, one of the best things that I've I've found that we've gotten out of LSEO um is the fame chapter that we initially started with just the electromechanical program, but it's being bridged across into some other fields now.
00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:48.480
Um, because there's such a heavy focus on the professional skills, the the managing of schedule, how to speak, how to deliver presentations, those soft skills that really aren't taught anywhere.
00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:55.840
And a lot of times folks end up in the workplace and have never had any exposure to it or don't know how to interact in those types of situations.
00:10:55.919 --> 00:11:09.919
And so it's really um been a great blessing to watch these young people and even those of us that are, you know, not quite so young anymore, uh be able to get polished on some skills that that are almost a forgotten skill.
00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:10.639
Yeah.
00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:14.879
Yeah, but the other and the other good side of that too is so you have this curriculum, right?
00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:27.120
You have all these books and you have all this uh agendas and things that you learn, and then you get out there and you find out that kicking that pump twice and doing this or that to it is what makes it actually work better.
00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:40.720
So it's like there's definitely the part that you have to understand before you go out there, but then they have to understand that that pump's been there 75 years and kicking it, doing this, you know, twisting it backwards two times, that's what makes it pump better.
00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:45.519
So uh being able to show that to some of the young guys, it's also fun as well.
00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:59.360
Oh, yeah, because there's there's definitely stuff out there that you know you gotta you gotta jiggle this switch and you gotta tap on that gauge, and then you can so there is, and that's the that part that you talk about where you only learn it by being on the job and in the field.
00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:04.879
And so it the program really does allow you to bridge that gap to where you need to have learnings in both spaces.
00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:09.200
And I think that's the way it it should have been all along with education too, right?
00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.080
That's how it started.
00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:24.559
That's how absolutely that's how education was really intended to be was that you get on the job and you you learn these things, you you're you're building careers, you're building pathways, these trades, craft skills, all those things, and being able to relate what you've learned in a classroom with what you do on the job.
00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:30.960
And I think that's uh sometimes where education misses it is, you know, it it's great in theory, but is it great in practice?
00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:33.600
So um, I love that that's what this apprenticeship does.
00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:42.480
So um can Gabriel, can you kind of share maybe a moment during this apprenticeship that you've been a part of where you thought maybe um, hey, this is exactly why I chose this path?
00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.600
Oh, definitely.
00:12:43.759 --> 00:13:11.039
I would say when I got to Beaumont and started learning the actual process, like what we do, what we make, and the end result, and learning how to draw out the unit, uh going out into the unit for like field walks and tracing lines and stuff like that, and actually being there and then in that setting, you know, um made me realize like, yeah, I'm I'm glad I'm here, you know, and how quick I picked up on it made me realize like, like, yeah, I got a knack for this, you know.
00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.320
Yeah, I love that.
00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:13.200
That's awesome.
00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:18.799
So, Milton Larry, what uh what what excites you guys about the the future of this apprenticeship program the most?
00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:25.759
Uh the fact that the Dow has invested in it and they see the value in it and they want to continue to invest in it.
00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:38.399
Um it's given us a channel of of bringing people into the company that has provided a really good um and high retention funnel of bringing folks in.
00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:45.120
So what we've seen is that folks that have come in through the apprenticeship funnel tend to have the highest retention percentage that we've got.
00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:55.679
Um so that's very exciting in a in a time where, especially in Southeast Texas, where you've got we've got what three uh facilities being built within a 35 mile radius right now.
00:13:55.919 --> 00:13:57.519
Massive retention is huge.
00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:00.639
I mean, and so this is a way that we're able to do that.
00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:13.679
Um, we're able to invest in folks, and because we're investing in them to get kind of get them starting their career, um, there's kind of a bond that's formed there that I think is what holds people uh to stay with the company.
00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:16.240
So that that's one of the big things for me.
00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:18.639
Okay, can I jump in for a please do?
00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:21.120
All right, let me like what watch this one-minute segment here.
00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:21.679
Here we go.
00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:25.440
So when you when here's what I see, he's not gonna say it, but I'm gonna say it.
00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:32.879
What I'm proud of is I have a brother here that when you ask what's the apprenticeship program, what does it matter?
00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:49.120
When I've seen the work that he done that he's done and what he does, when you walk into a local high school and these young adults, these young students, men and women, young men, young women, now have hope and you see it in their eyes.
00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:52.080
And they know that they have a chance.
00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:58.559
And they know that they're able to go to a place like LSEO, I call y'all, the generational game changers.
00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:02.720
But to see these young people now know that it's possible.
00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:14.240
And to, and and it just it's a feeling that you can't describe because now you're providing them with an opportunity that will change their lives forever, that will give them a better opportunity for their families.
00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:23.519
If they want to have children, if they want to buy a house, a truck, a boat, a car, or you know, cook all the time, whatever it is that you want to do, they now have that opportunity.
00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:30.080
And so their parents may have never had a college education, or their parents may never have had a plant job, but always wanted one.
00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:32.080
And now they get a shot at it.
00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:32.320
Yeah.
00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:34.159
That's what I love about this program.
00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:37.360
And it it goes so much about community too.
00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:40.480
You know, you're building community through this, but you know, you're from this area you talked about, right?
00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.039
Yes, sir.
00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:42.000
We're all from this area.
00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:42.879
We're all from Orange.
00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:44.879
We've all born and raised in this area.
00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:47.919
And we see people come in from the outside and there, it we welcome them in.
00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:48.480
We love it.
00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:56.559
We you become part of the community, but there's something different about being able to work with your neighbors, being able to work with your community because there's a different level of support.
00:15:56.720 --> 00:16:07.360
And so that's something I do think people do need to be aware of is if you're from this area and you want to stay here and you want to build a career here, there are plenty of places and plenty of areas to do that.
00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:12.799
And I think this Dow Apprenticeship is one of the best examples of that, is that this is a grow your own mentality, right?
00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:13.759
Oh, absolutely.
00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:14.960
And that's the intent of it.
00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:17.440
We, you know, bring people in, give them an opportunity.
00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:21.600
Um, and and like Larry said, I mean, hit the nail on the head.
00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:32.559
This is, and it's not just the program, it's LSCO, what it provides, it's the other companies around here that are involved, whether it's through fame or other private uh apprenticeship programs.
00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:38.320
These these programs can literally change generations of a family.
00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:43.919
And uh, if that doesn't bring you joy and excitement, then you need to check your pulse because that's huge.
00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:48.879
Yeah, it literally makes my day to walk in the room behind him and see their faces.
00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.679
It's like Christmas.
00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:51.279
They're like, Milton's here.
00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.159
I love that.
00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.039
You know what I mean?
00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:57.600
Yeah, because at one time LSEO was just like, I don't want to go to college here locally.
00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:59.919
Now it's the hottest spot, baby.
00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.559
You know what I'm saying?
00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:04.160
Yeah, I mean, enrollment records have been broken for the last several semesters.
00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:04.480
Yep.
00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:09.279
Um, the process technology program, uh, the last semester, I don't know what it is currently this one.
00:17:09.359 --> 00:17:10.240
I haven't talked to Mr.
00:17:10.319 --> 00:17:19.119
Ramsey, but 67% of the people enrolled in process technology were dual credit high school students.
00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:38.480
We've got an opportunity for folks to graduate high school, some of them even 17 years old, to be over halfway complete with their degree to go get their foot in the door at one of our local companies and start contributing not only for themselves and providing for themselves and their family, but to the community and giving back.
00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:42.079
And so uh I'm just excited to be a part, a part of it.
00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:46.400
I'm thankful for the apprenticeship program by me being afforded that opportunity.
00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:55.599
I'm now I sit on every single uh board around here, around Orange, Bridge City, Orange Field, LCM, West Orange for all their CTE programs.
00:17:55.759 --> 00:18:00.079
I'm able to have uh the opportunity to give insight into what industry is looking for.
00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.519
I'm sitting on the board with fame.
00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:08.480
So I'm working with other local industry partners and we're all just trying to pour in to the community to give back because it's been so good to us.
00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:19.119
Well, and I think that's also something important to mention, too, is that you know, these programs that are being developed here at the college, they're not just created in a vacuum where it's like, oh, well, hey, this is what the curriculum should be.
00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:26.960
These are programs that are being developed by uh a board of advisors that are coming in and saying, this is what we need in the workplace and this is what needs to be taught.
00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:30.400
And so LSEO is turning around and going, awesome, help us build the courses.
00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:32.240
Hey, do you have somebody to teach it?
00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:33.039
You know, even that.
00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.240
We've had many conversations.
00:18:34.640 --> 00:18:41.759
The majority of our instructors that are here have had a wealthy career in the industry or in that sector that they're they're teaching in.
00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:46.640
And I think that's something that's incredible that you don't typically find in general education settings.
00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.519
So absolutely.
00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:54.480
Yeah, we we currently have uh a Dow employee uh who's teaching some night classes here as part of their operations program.
00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:58.960
So it's really neat to see people uh get to get back in all the different ways.
00:18:59.119 --> 00:19:05.119
I mean, um, I got my associate's degree from here uh quite some many years ago.
00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:08.319
And uh that's kind of what got me started was doing that.
00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:11.440
So it's neat to kind of come full circle and and see all that come back.
00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:18.720
So hearing all this, you know, that this is this is something that's new to you, but uh, where do you see yourself, you know, 10, 15 years from now?
00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:21.839
Do you see yourself sitting in those chairs talking about the same program like they are?
00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:23.279
Uh definitely.
00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:28.960
This program has not only changed my life, but my family's life, like Milton and Mr.
00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:29.680
Spears said.
00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:32.160
Like, I'm so just grateful.
00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:37.839
Every time I wake up and know, like I get to go to class, you know, and it's paid for by Dow.
00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:43.039
And when I do go to the plant, like it has always been a dream of mine to be here, you know.
00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:47.039
Uh so definitely like the loyalty is there with the company.
00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:48.799
They gave me a chance, and that's all I needed.
00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:51.119
That's all I ever wanted was just a chance, you know.
00:19:51.279 --> 00:20:05.440
Uh, so I definitely see myself 10, 15 years, you know, if not moving up in operations, extending somewhere else within Dow, you know, because that's one thing about Dow, they will always give you an opportunity to grow within the company and they encourage it.
00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:08.400
So it's it's definitely something I would consider.
00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:16.319
So if a high school or a college student is listening right now and they think uh they're thinking about applying, um, what advice are you gonna give them?
00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:18.000
You're too late.
00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:24.480
So yeah, no, uh, our program is closed for this year as far as the application prox process.
00:20:24.559 --> 00:20:26.160
Um, but be on the lookout.
00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:28.319
Uh it's gonna post in January every year.
00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:28.720
Yep.
00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:33.680
Um, usually the first Monday, if not the first, then it'll be the second Monday, something around that.
00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:38.480
Uh we do a big blitz when it comes to um marketing.
00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:40.319
Um we put it on Facebook pages.
00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:46.319
You guys have have uh posted it for us, uh, just like we kind of return the favor with the fame program and getting out there.
00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:53.039
Um but the first thing is do your research, kind of understand what industry is, see if it's something that you really would like to do.
00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:53.599
Yeah.
00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:56.799
Um, and if you think it is, then go ahead and enroll.
00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:57.920
You can start taking classes.
00:20:58.079 --> 00:21:01.599
I can take people into this program that are up to the halfway mark.
00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:04.640
So you can go ahead and start classes while you're waiting.
00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:09.920
Um when we do the hiring, make sure your resumes are up to snuff.
00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:15.599
There, there's plenty of opportunity and help here at uh the college to get those resumes ready.
00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:21.279
Participate in every mock interview opportunity that you have.
00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:26.720
Uh, most of the folks in the that are applying for this program are 25 and under.
00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:33.519
We we do have some in all demographics, but the majority is that senior in high school up to about 25 years of age.
00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:40.640
And there's a lot of those folks that have never sat in a room with four or five people staring at you and grilling you with questions.
00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.759
It can be nerve wracking.
00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:46.960
I remember the first time I did it, I think I was 20 or 21, and it was a culture shock.
00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:53.599
So take advantage of those opportunities, you know, where you've got the resume writing classes, you've got the mock interview opportunities.
00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:59.440
When they do site tours, there's a lot of a lot of companies that will allow college students to come on site with the school.
00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:03.839
Uh Even the high schools, we're working on getting them in here to into the different sites to do that.
00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:05.200
To go see what it's about.
00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.319
Start talking to people.
00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:13.599
I mean, the odds are you live in Southeast Texas, you're either a teacher, you're in the medical field, or you work in the plant.
00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:15.519
That's the top three in the area, hands down.
00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.039
So you know somebody.
00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:18.720
Start having those conversations.
00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.680
Get some insight.
00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:20.559
Pick their brain.
00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.920
It's not for everybody.
00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:23.920
Some people don't want to work shift work.
00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.880
They don't want to do that.
00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.400
Some people are like, this is great.
00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:30.480
I can go fishing during the middle of the week when nobody else is on the lake.
00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:33.599
Or I can go play golf when there's less people on the golf course.
00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:35.519
So have those conversations.
00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.319
Do your homework.
00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:38.319
Talk to your counselors if you're still in high school.
00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:43.440
There, when we come to the high schools to talk, um, and it's not just Dow that does it, there's a lot of different groups.
00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:51.599
LSCO has done a great job for the last year about putting on these CT events where we come in and we talk about all the different career opportunities.
00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.119
Because it's not just operator maintenance.
00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.480
You've got the maritime program.
00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:57.359
People think maritime, well, that's the big, the big barges out there.
00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.559
Yeah, guess where they come?
00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:00.319
They come to these plants to get loaded.
00:23:00.400 --> 00:23:02.559
So it there's a connection there as well.
00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:09.200
And so Well, and Dow's also an ecosystem, too, with it with uh Yeah, we we are a standalone facility.
00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:11.440
We can survive without any infrastructure.
00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:14.480
We generate our own power, our own water, steam, we do it all.
00:23:14.640 --> 00:23:17.599
Now we're connected to the grid, and and that's part of our business model.
00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:20.799
But if we have to, we can go into essentially island mode.
00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.119
Um and there's a lot of companies that are like that.
00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:23.759
Yeah.
00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:27.200
And they need accountants, they need jargon.
00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:27.599
Oh, yeah.
00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:30.880
You need uh communications people nurses, everything, marketing.
00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:40.480
I mean, we we've got we've got public affairs, we've got um if you basically uh what's the the analogy you use with the city?
00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:47.279
Um if it inv if uh if it in if the role is within a city, it's within the site or something like that.
00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.319
How do you however was?
00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.839
Yeah, it pretty much is the same.
00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:55.599
It's like people don't realize my fine when you say like what's the realization, because I mean we have our own cafeteria.
00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:57.279
We have the people that pick up the trash.
00:23:57.359 --> 00:23:59.119
We have that's why we're overweight.
00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:02.160
Yeah, but we uh we've got a lot, you know.
00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.839
And so yeah, it's been crazy.
00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:07.519
You know, my dad worked there before me, so I feel like loyal.
00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:13.599
I want to be loyal to this place, um, especially being able to serve in the capacity that I have outside of the site.
00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.680
You know, like Haley's is home.
00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:19.759
And so I'm always gonna push who we are and what we have to offer.
00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:22.240
And it's just, it's just, it's really been a blessing.
00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.599
Yeah, that's awesome.
00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:31.279
Uh well, apprenticeship programs like this one show just how powerful the combination of education and hands-on experience can be.
00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:38.799
And we're proud to partner with this organization like with organizations like Dow to create meaningful opportunities for our students and our community.
00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:41.359
So thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:48.720
And then be sure to keep up with the latest Gator Bite podcast episodes on the LSDO website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:52.799
Thanks for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you another conversation soon.
