As Houston continues to lead the energy transition, major corporations are making significant investments to ensure the region's workforce is equipped with the skills of tomorrow. Key industry players ExxonMobil and Bechtel have recently announced initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to preparing and empowering the next generation of energy professionals. ExxonMobil's Commitment to STEM Education The ExxonMobil Foundation recently donated $17 million to Khan Academy for the Open Doors Project. The initiative will allow Khan Academy to offer free Texas standards-aligned math and science courses for 3rd – 12th graders and teacher guides to facilitate the new courses.  The collaboration with Khan Academy will enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning opportunities, ensuring students have the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue careers in the energy industry and beyond.  Bechtel's Construction Career Pathways Bechtel, a global leader in engineering, construction, and project management, is also making significant strides in workforce development. The company recently announced it offered construction careers to 15 graduating seniors from the pipefitter and welding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Nederland High School and Port Arthur Memorial High School. The students received hands-on experience and training through the program, allowing them to successfully move into careers at the Port Arthur Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Phase 1 project site.  “We are excited to offer jobs to these students who have gained the experience needed to complete their curriculum and start their path to becoming skilled craft professionals,” said Kane McIntosh, Port Arthur LNG Project Manager at Bechtel. “Sempra Infrastructure and Bechtel are committed to supporting Port Arthur and Southeast Texas, which includes training the next generation of workers who will deliver large-scale projects like Port Arthur LNG Phase 1.” Shaping the Future of Energy The investments by ExxonMobil and Bechtel are crucial for ensuring Houston remains at the forefront of the global energy industry. By focusing on education and career development, these companies are fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the energy sector while addressing the current and future workforce needs. Learn more about the region's energy industry and workforce development programs.  

The former Swift and Co. building, located in Houston’s bustling Heights neighborhood, is set to be transformed into a 4.47-acre mixed-use development.  Expected to begin construction later this year, the development, dubbed the Swift Building, will encompass over 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail, office and restaurant space, all overlooking the popular Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail nearby. According to the Houston Chronicle, Random Capital and Triten Real Estate, the developers behind the initiative, will also enhance pedestrian accessibility to the building by revitalizing the surrounding green space and introducing new entry pathways.   Click to expand Originally established in 1917 as a cottonseed oil refinery, the century-old building later transitioned into one of the region's largest meatpacking facilities during the 1950s, courtesy of Swift and Co. In a bid to safeguard its rich history, the developers are pursuing a historic designation for the building. Anticipated for completion in 2025, the development aims to welcome restaurants within the same year.  This isn't the first revitalization project for this development duo. They previously spearheaded the M-K-T development in the Heights, where they transformed five historic industrial buildings into a vibrant 4-acre mixed-use complex that now boasts 30 restaurant and merchant vendors.  “Swift is a natural extension of our shared vision for M-K-T. Rather than tear down an important symbol of Houston’s — and the Heights' — past, we instead want to embrace its character and repurpose it into a truly unique community amenity and experience,” Scott Arnoldy, founder of Triten Real Estate Partners told the Houston Chronicle.  Click to expand Meanwhile, the developers are concurrently advancing their efforts to revitalize aging structures throughout Houston independently. Random Capital recently unveiled plans to renovate the Tower Theater building, formerly housing Acme Oyster House, along with several neighboring buildings in Montrose, into a pedestrian-friendly retail center. Dubbed 1111 Westheimer, the project will span 35,000 square feet and is slated to commence construction this summer, targeting completion by 2025.  Click to expand Additionally, Triten Real Estate is progressing with its latest project, The Mill, a mixed-use development situated in Houston's East End. The project aims to convert a former industrial lumber mill site into a vibrant mixed-use complex. The initial phase includes 341 multifamily units and over 6,000 square feet of retail space. Subsequent phases will introduce a seven-story parking garage spanning 145,368 square feet.  Discover more about living in Houston.