Empowering the STEM Workforce of the Future

How Chemours is helping develop and diversify the next generation of innovators

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 9, 2024 / The Chemours Company
Originally published in the Delaware Business Magazine's May/June 2024 issue.

By Najwa Corum, Early Career Program Leader at Chemours

The world is innovating at a rapid pace as we work to solve major global challenges, from climate change and decarbonization to managing the boom in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

At Chemours, our chemistry is integral to many of the innovations needed to solve these problems, including the development of clean energy, electric vehicles, semiconductor chips, sustainable refrigeration and cooling solutions, and more. While these transformations are helping us build a brighter future for our planet, they aren't without their demands-including access to a strong and diverse Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) workforce here in Delaware and across the country.

Some forecasts show that the United States will add nearly 800,000 new STEM jobs by 2031, compared to 2021 numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts data science jobs will increase by 35% by 2032, mechanical engineers by 10%, chemical engineers by 8%, and chemists and materials scientist jobs by 6%-all at rates faster than average for all occupations.

That's why Chemours is focused on identifying and developing that next generation of talent through initiatives like our internship/ co-op program and investments in STEM education. Our program is part of our strategic effort to attract high-quality, early-career talent from colleges and universities. It provides students with a hands-on opportunity to jumpstart their career in fields like chemical or mechanical engineering at one of our manufacturing sites or in research and development positions at the Chemours Discovery Hub (CDH) on the University of Delaware's STAR Campus. At the same time, this program allows our teams to train and evaluate high-potential candidates who can meet our future hiring needs.

In 2023, we hosted 97 interns and co-ops across our plant sites and locations, with nearly a third of the graduating seniors becoming full-time employees.

However, ensuring a strong STEM workforce also means having a diverse one. Innovation is driven by diversity; diversity in thinking, experiences, and backgrounds. To continue to innovate and meet future challenges, we need input from different perspectives.