Join us as we welcome Kelly Krick, Union Representative at Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU), to discuss the vital role of the Merchant Marine and the career pathways it offers. In this episode, we explore the process of becoming a Merchant Mariner, key certifications, and training opportunities. Discover insights into wages, job stability, industry growth, and how SIU supports mariners in navigating an ever-evolving maritime industry. Whether you're considering a maritime career or curious about life at sea, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration. For more information about the Seafarers International Union, visit www.seafarers.org.

We sit down with Charlie Foxworth, Broker/Owner of REMAX ONE and past president of the Beaumont Board of Realtors, to discuss the current state of the real estate market in Southeast Texas. Charlie shares valuable insights on housing trends, market challenges, and the impact of large-scale industrial projects on local real estate. We also dive into real estate career opportunities, how to get started as an agent, and what young people should focus on when entering the industry. Don’t miss this comprehensive real estate update from one of Southeast Texas’s leading real estate professionals. For more information on the Beaumont Board of Realtors visit https://www.facebook.com/BeaumontBoardofREALTORS

We speak with Gavin Jones, Regional Director of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), about the growing opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing in Southeast Texas. Gavin explains how TMAC is offering virtual reality-based training to prepare workers for a field poised for growth as manufacturers expand into the region. We also explore how AI is transforming the manufacturing industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses and the workforce. For more information on TMAC, visit https://www.lamar.edu/texas-manufacturing-assistance-center/index.html

Tune in for an interview with Casey Sullivan-Flood, Recruiter for Acadian Ambulance, as she provides an in-depth look at careers in emergency medical services. Casey shares her journey from paramedic to recruiter and offers valuable insights into the roles of EMTs and paramedics. She discusses Acadian's training programs, including their National EMS Academy, and describes the day-to-day life, challenges, and rewards of working in EMS. The conversation covers a range of topics, from salary and career advancement opportunities to Acadian's crucial role in hurricane response. Whether you're considering a career in emergency services or simply curious about the field, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the vital work performed by Acadian Ambulance in Southeast Texas. To learn more, visit: https://acadianambulance.com/locations/texas/

In this episode, we sit down with Kay Decuir, the Executive Director of Nederland Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Kay provides a comprehensive overview of her role and the EDC's mission in fostering economic growth in Nederland, Texas. She also discusses the city's strategic location, its robust infrastructure including ports and transportation networks, and the ongoing major projects that are shaping the local economy. Discover the unique advantages Nederland offers to businesses, the challenges faced by employers, and the EDC's approach to site selection. To learn more, visit: https://www.nededc.com/

Jon Davis, COO, and Jacquetta Alleman, Director of Marketing, at H.B. Neild Construction join the show to talk about the company's history, in-demand jobs, and career pathways in the Southeast Texas construction industry. Learn about the skills needed, opportunities for growth, and future trends shaping the field. The company's new Orange location is also discussed. For more information about careers at H.B. Neild Construction, visit https://hbneild.com/careers/. 

This episode features an interview with Robert Grimm, Emergency Management Coordinator for Jefferson County, Texas. Robert discusses his role in preparing for and responding to various emergencies, with a focus on hurricane preparedness. He explains the steps taken by the county when a hurricane is approaching, including evacuation procedures, resource staging, and damage assessment. He also touches on other emergency scenarios like industrial incidents and mass casualty events. The conversation covers topics such as the Southeast Texas Alerting Network (STAN), the importance of having an emergency plan, and recent hurricane activity in the area.  For more information about Jefferson County Emergency Management visit https://co.jefferson.tx.us/em.htm

This episode features a conversation with Ana Pereda, Executive Director of Workforce at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Ana discusses her role in managing and developing LIT's non-credit training programs, emphasizing their responsiveness to community workforce needs. She also highlights innovative approaches such as integrating English as a Second Language (ESL) components with technical training, and details various in-demand programs including CDL training, appliance repair, and leadership courses. Discover how LIT is adapting its programs to meet the evolving workforce demands of Southeast Texas. To learn more, visit:  https://www.lit.edu/workforce-continuing-education

In this episode of the Southeast Texas Works podcast, we speak with Carrie Phillips, plant manager at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Orange plant. Carrie shares her unique journey to becoming a plant manager, the importance of mentorship, and her day-to-day responsibilities in ensuring the safety of her team and the community while producing high-quality plastic products. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the jobs in high demand within the petrochemical industry, and her advice for young students, particularly women, interested in pursuing careers in this field. Tune in to learn more about the vital role of the petrochemical industry in our everyday lives and the exciting career opportunities it offers.

This episode features a conversation with Paul Swetish, Fire Chief, and Brian McDonald, CEO and President of Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC). They discuss the unique aspects of industrial firefighting and how RTFC, founded in 1948 in response to the deadly Texas City industrial fire, has become the largest non-profit industrial firefighting organization in the U.S. Chief Swetish outlines the career pathway and rigorous training to become an RTFC firefighter and reveals RTFC's specialized equipment, unified command structure, and emphasis on safety. Discover the strong need for new recruits to join RTFC as industrial firefighters in the growing Southeast Texas region. To learn more, visit: www.rtfc.org