10th Annual Job-Shadow Event Gives Local Students a Glimpse into Engineering Careers
BEAUMONT, Texas — March 3, 2021 — Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle hosted hundreds of local high school students virtually at the 10th Annual Engineering Job Shadow event. Engineers from area petrochemical companies explained basic engineering principles and career opportunities at the live event on February 17.
“Students learned about engineering by watching live experiments, asking job-related questions, and engaging in a marshmallow tower challenge,” said Patricia Woolridge, area director for Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle. “This event gives us a chance to reach students who may not know anything about careers in engineering.”
Woolridge attributed the success of the event to local engineers, presenting sponsor Motiva Enterprises, and supporting sponsors ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, CenterPoint Energy, North Star Music, INVISTA Orange, Lamar University’s College of Engineering, and the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for their continued support in helping Junior Achievement educate students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.”
Because this year’s event was virtual, there were no limitations on participants. Seven school districts in the Golden Triangle attended, reaching approximately 700 ninth-grade students.
“The Engineering Job-Shadow Event demonstrates the local petrochemical industry’s enthusiasm for encouraging students to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math,” said Chris Plott, project manager at Motiva’s Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex. “As the event’s presenting sponsor for nine consecutive years, our company is honored to support this inspirational career-awareness opportunity.”
“At Lamar University, we are thrilled to help educate high school students about the various specialties in engineering, clarify common misconceptions, and generate excitement about this rewarding career,” said Lamar University, College of Engineering Dean Brian Craig, PhD.
Schools interested in viewing the engineering job-shadow presentations after the event are encouraged to contact Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle at (409) 833-1731.
