From classrooms to craftmanship: Youths shape energy future at rodeo

The future of the energy industry is in good hands.

That’s the takeaway from the Industrial Craft Competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where area high school students work together to construct a spec-built project that is typical of a small process skid used in the energy industry. Months ago, they received the materials and construction drawings at their schools. The results of their impressive handiwork are on display at the rodeo.

“These kids are learning the skills that we need in the industry,” said Todd Denton, Senior Vice President of HSE and Field Operations at Phillips 66. “In addition to gaining construction skills, they were asked to look at the project controls, the schedule and the cost.”

Phillips 66, which operates refineries and midstream assets along the Gulf Coast, was the lead sponsor of the Industrial Craft Competition for the first time. And to underscore the company’s commitment to employee volunteerism in their communities, Phillips 66 also sponsored the rodeo’s inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Day on March 7.

Watch the video below to learn more about the craft competition and the students who could eventually join tomorrow’s energy workforce.