What's Happening?
ExxonMobil has significantly expanded its High School Internship Program in Baton Rouge, now in its fifth year, to include 36 students, up from six in 2021. The program selects participants from a pool of over 600 applicants from East and West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, and surrounding parishes. The initiative provides high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates with hands-on experience in fields such as mechanical engineering, instrumentation, and welding. Interns undergo a comprehensive onboarding process similar to that of full-time employees, receive safety training, and are embedded in various departments like Mechanical, Engineering, Environmental, Laboratory, and Information Technology. The program also emphasizes soft skills development, including résumé writing and career planning, and encourages networking and community service.
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Why It's Important?
This program is crucial for developing a skilled workforce in the STEM fields, which are vital for the economic growth and technological advancement of the U.S. By engaging students early, ExxonMobil is not only preparing them for potential careers within the company but also contributing to the broader Gulf Coast region's economic development. The initiative helps bridge the gap between education and industry, providing students with practical skills and professional networks that can enhance their career prospects. This approach supports the creation of a diverse and capable workforce, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
What's Next?
ExxonMobil plans to continue its investment in local talent through various educational and training programs. The company engages students from elementary to high school levels with STEM activities and mentorship, and offers engineering internships to college students. Additionally, ExxonMobil provides free craft skills training through the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative. These efforts are expected to strengthen the workforce pipeline, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the company and the region.
Beyond the Headlines
The program highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in education and workforce development. By investing in local communities, ExxonMobil is not only enhancing its talent pool but also contributing to social and economic stability. This model of corporate engagement could serve as a blueprint for other companies looking to make a positive impact in their communities.
