Staying Local: Minooka High School Graduate Interns and Co-Ops with LyondellBasell

MORRIS, Ill. – Nov. 14, 2017 – Jacob Johnson of Shorewood drove by LyondellBasell’s Morris Complex too many times to count as a young student attending Minooka High School dreaming of a future career in engineering.

Passing the Morris Complex, which is one of the largest petrochemical facilities in the Midwest, Johnson didn’t know a few short years later he would be given the opportunity as a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago to participate as a co-op with LyondellBasell.

“Staying local and starting my journey with LyondellBasell was everything to me,” said Johnson. “I have a large family history with not only this company but manufacturing throughout Grundy County.”

Before becoming a co-op, Johnson was a summer intern with LyondellBasell through the Grundy Economic Development Council (GEDC) summer internship program. So, when Johnson learned about the co-op program with LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, he quickly applied for the opportunity to return as a college student.

A LyondellBasell co-op is a type of internship that provides students hands-on experience within their field of study, which at times earns college credits. Like Johnson, engineering co-ops work full-time during a single season: spring, summer or fall, with a target of at least two terms prior to graduation. This program is specific for chemical, electrical, environmental, health and safety and mechanical engineering students.

“I knew from my high school internship that LyondellBasell has an incredible safety culture and everyone is professional and knowledgeable in their field,” said Johnson. “LyondellBasell has shown me they are truly invested in my education and development as a young engineer, so I jumped at the opportunity to return in college.”

During Johnson’s time as an electrical and instrumentation engineering co-op he has worked alongside seasoned LyondellBasell employees, showing him critical instruments that monitor processes in the plant to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.

“This program is great because as I go through my projects, my paired mentor provides just enough room to grow and learn the engineering process and I know I can fall back on my mentor with any questions or concerns that are beyond my knowledge.”

Johnson understands the many misperceptions regarding the manufacturing industry, especially polyethylene plastics.

“People may not fully understand the role manufacturing plays on a local level,” said Johnson. “It is a vital engine in our local community and economy by providing a broad range of skilled careers and paying taxes for our local schools,” said Johnson. “Manufacturing is such a broad field to get involved in; whether you get into HR/administration, operations/technicians, or engineering, there is a need for many diverse careers.”

Media Contact: Megan Borchers O: 815-942-7474 C. 815-210-1980 megan.borchers@lyb.com