Dow Celebrates Apprenticeship Week

Each year, Dow's U.S. Apprenticeship Program attracts a significant number of applicants eager to gain on-the-job experience while earning a company paid associate degree in highly sought-after technical fields. Registered with the United States Department of Labor, the program offers practical experience for those aiming to pursue a career in manufacturing. Apprentices enroll in degree programs offered through Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) or Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT), both of which partner with Dow Sabine River Operations and Beaumont Operations.

Chase Brumley, a current apprentice, expressed his gratitude for the program: "This program opens up a new career path for people who might otherwise never get the opportunity to work as a process operator."

Robert Lovelace, Early Career Leader for the East Texas Hub (Dow Sabine River & Beaumont Operations), highlights that "the biggest advantage for these students is gaining hands-on experience at a local facility during their studies."

The program is structured so apprentices are paid for 40 hours per week, including benefits, tuition, and books, while they complete a two-year associate degree program and receive on-the-job training at Dow Sabine River Operations and Beaumont Operations.

Lovelace notes, "apprentices also benefit from a support system that includes unit leaders and the Influential Leader Network (IFL) on site."

Former apprentice, Jessica Ripka, shared "the challenges that came with dual responsibilities of balancing school and work helped me become more resilient and learn to prioritize and maintain focus under pressure."

Approximately 87% of participants in Dow's U.S. Apprenticeship Program transition into full-time roles within 24-30 months. Lovelace cites college-readiness, ambition, reliability, and teamwork as key attributes that make a candidate stand out. The program often enrolls graduates from Orange County high schools, where Dow actively engages with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and serves on advisory boards.

Many applicants also have a military background.

Shanita Roberson, currently a student in the Dow U.S. Apprenticeship Program, shared, "Getting into the program has meant everything to me. Transitioning from military life to civilian life has been challenging, but this opportunity has been a life changing experience."

Dow's U.S. Apprenticeship Program not only facilitates 'earning while learning' but also addresses the retirement surge and contributes to upskilling the next generation. Those selected for the apprenticeship program have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.5, coursework completed in high school algebra and can obtain a TWIC card. Completed chemistry or physics coursework is also preferred.

A current apprentice and recent high school graduate, Ezekiel Yanez Macias said, "many students in high school strived to become process operators. I applied for Dow's U.S. Apprenticeship Program to make my parents proud and prove their struggles were worthwhile."

To apply for Dow's U.S. Apprenticeship Program, visit the Dow Careers webpage in January, when the listing will be open for 3 to 4 weeks.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting http://www.dow.com.