WASHINGTON,, Sept. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) today is launching a website to help inform veterans and all job seekers about available jobs in the fuel and petrochemical industries. These industries are actively seeking out employees interested in a variety of career paths. Jobs are available for individuals with all levels of education, from those with a high school diploma to a PhD. In addition, many of the companies offer training and financial aid for continuing education.
"The refining and petrochemical industries want to let people know that we are hiring, and AFPM's new website will help inform job seekers about available, high-paying employment. If you have a high school degree, or if you have a college degree – we want you to consider a career in these industries," said AFPM President Charles T. Drevna. "Demand for skilled craft workers and those with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is currently high and will continue to grow. The door is wide open for our military veterans and to parents, teachers, or anyone who offers guidance to young people take note; we have good, high paying jobs available, today and in the future."
The fuel and petrochemical industries currently support nearly two million American jobs, and expect to support almost 3.9 million by 2025. Based on a survey from the Associated General Contractors of America, 74 percent of the companies reported a shortage of craft professionals. This workforce deficit will continue to rise because many of today's skilled workers are expected to retire in the next five to ten years.
These companies offer high-paying career paths in a wide-range of disciplines for those who are not financially able to attend a four year college, or realize it is not the right path for them. Opportunities for skilled workers include electricians, crane operators, welders and ironworkers, among many other career options. The average annual salary in the refinery industry is $111,542, and the average annual salary in the chemical industry is $88,800; compared to the average wage in all industries of $62,063. In addition to the lack of available employees, 800,000 workers are expected to retire by 2017.
To aid individuals looking for work, AFPM's website was created to provide information to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Workforce development is a strategy that promotes economic development and jobs by focusing on people. Through education and training, workforce development programs seek to prepare the next generation of skilled and professional workers for high-demand careers in industries such as fuel and petrochemical manufacturing.