re: Best way to get Plant Jobs?

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Know someone or get lucky

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Both are good. Neither can help you on their own. There's always more to it than that. At least at the plant I'm in.

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As some have stated, knowing someone doesn't hurt. But knowing someone, in no way reduces the need for formal training and/or relevant experience. No one walks out of[quote]high school, or has only worked at Lowes or Autozone, and walks into a position with the plant because they know somebody

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That's the bottom line.

Also, the interview process at most plants has changed dramatically over the years. Being a good liar hasn't always been a positive, but it seems that it really pays off these days to have lackluster qualifications and a silver tongue.

You have to be clean. No drugs in your system. And knowing someone who works for a contractor is the best way. Bit P-Tech is the way to go if you want something permanent.

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Im trying to get into the plants somehow for work. What's the best way to get on?

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Get a DNA sample, if you have a drop of non white blood check "Other" on the app. And yes you will fill out an app at some point.

Worked for 2 friends of mine that couldn't get past the first interview with Shell Oil/ Motiva. The last go round the interviewer asked him what was "other" He said, well I guess I won't be getting this job, because you people keep asking that.

In like Flint, true story.

Start at a local nursery selling plants, and get on with a yard crew that comes in often to buy plants for landscaping jobs.

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When the plants were just getting off the ground in the 60's and 70's, and huge numbers of bodies were needed to staff up, it does seem like that was the model.

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True, but original plant engineering designs from 40+ years ago are almost completely phased out, and most have upgraded equipment and technology substantially. Employees(especially Operators) had to work harder out of necessity.

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It cannot be overstated just how poor work ethic has become over the years, generally and relatively speaking.

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As stated above, older employees generally worked harder due to shitty equipment and designs. A good segment of young professionals today(25 yr old+) aren't lazy, they work smarter and recognize needless labor.

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But knowing someone, in no way reduces the need for formal training and/or relevant experience. No one walks out of high school, or has only worked at Lowes or Autozone, and walks into a position with the plant because they know somebody

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I halfway agree. The plants I've worked in prefer staffing employees with diverse backgrounds. We have Operators with 10+ years of store management, law enforcement, sales, etc experience and it's often a great idea.

And yes, compare truck nuts and fishing/hunting/golf tips in the interview

-Coming from the perspective of someone who's been an Operator/Lab Analyst for 15 years in 3 different chemical plants.

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A good segment of young professionals today(25 yr old+) aren't lazy, they work smarter and recognize needless labor.

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I'm not saying there aren't any. If you happen to be in an area with a few good ones, they can have a positive effect on others and the overall attitude is good. And it has nothing to do with working smart, unless you consider hiding behind work processes to get out of work and motivating yourself to do what needs to be done, working smart. Initiative is at an all time low. Ability is at an all low because of it. Those who have advanced to next level roles are left covering for them. I was around for that mass wave of retirements that I referred to. There's no comparison in work ethic from then to now. Recognizing needless work and working smart....funnniest thing I've heard all day.

My company does not hire any production openings without a P-Tech certificate. It's the golden ticket here. No exceptions. You have to have finished the course. None of this "I'm in school now" business. Many jobs are opening up due to the Baby Boomer attrition. In 2 years, I'll add to that number. It's a great living for someone who does not want to go through a 4 year college program. In 2 years, I'll have 40 years service when I leave. It's been good to me.

At P-Tech school. Duh.

BRCC has a program. Nunez has one in Chalmette. I'm sure it's easy to find if you Google it. IMTT Technical in Reserve has one as well.