Phillips 66 has backed an ongoing employment outreach program within the company with minority workers as the target audience.

In 2010 a local chapter of the Black Employee Network was founded at the company’s Lake Charles manufacturing facility. The company’s main office started the initiative in 1987.

“BEN provides its members with leadership opportunities and supports an atmosphere for personal and professional development. Phillips 66 has a recruiting program for professionals, and BEN is involved in helping grow relationships with partner universities, thus creating a pipeline for future African-American employees,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

“Members also give back to the community by participating in community outreach projects they identify and implement. It is a win-win situation for employees, the company and community.”

Next month, the BEN Lake Charles chapter will sponsor its third career fair. The event will be 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 20, in Westlake’s Managan Recreation Center, 1000 McKinley St.

Information that will be provided to the public will include job forecasts, educational requirements, salary scales and interview tips.

“The Career Readiness Expo is one of our community outreach projects. The goal is to make the public aware of the industry jobs out there. The public will be able to talk with professionals and craftsmen from various trades and find out what they do, how much they make and much more. It’s all about getting information to make the right choices about your future,” according to the company’s statement.

In August, BEN, in partnership with the Black Heritage Festival, plans to sponsor a scholarship seminar.

“The scholarship seminar brings universities, trade and technical schools to the community and provides high school students and parents with the tools needed to understand and successfully search for and obtain financial aid for higher education,” the statement reads

Phillips 66 employees and retirees — regardless of race — can voluntarily join the network.

“We empower, support and facilitate the development of our members to their full potential in order to achieve individual, corporate and community objectives. Industry has a diverse workforce and we believe diversity adds value to a company,” the statement reads.

(MGNonline)