Workforce, Economy, & Manufacturing

The fuel and petrochemical manufacturing industries have come a long way from the simple thermal stills used to create kerosene in the 19th century to today’s sophisticated, high-tech and complex facilities that help provide America — and the world — with the fuels, petrochemicals and products that we all rely upon every day.

North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) surveyed energy industry workers and examined existing BLSA data, and discovered several notable takeaways.

Employee health and safety is top priority for the fuel and petrochemical industries, and the COVID outbreak has necessitated a number of changes to business operations.

The fuel and petrochemical industries have a long history of supporting the communities in which they live and operate, and they have amped up that support during this difficult time.

As industries with deep-running safety cultures and critical roles in product supply chains, the fuel and petrochemical industries are uniquely positioned to share vital products with some of those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We took a moment to speak with Adam Ali, AFPM’s Manager of Workforce Development, about changes in the workplace employees are experiencing – including what happens when someone tests positive for COVID-19 — and actions being taken to protect and support the workforce.

Teachers tasked with preparing the next generation of petrochemical and refinery workers are becoming the students. 

A 15-year rise in U.S. exports of refined products continued in 2019 with our nation exporting more than ever, underscoring the importance of these products to fueling a growing world. 

With a wave of retirements looming in the next decade, many in the petrochemical and refinery sectors are looking to a 40-year industry veteran to prepare the next generation of highly qualified workers.