
The Skills Gap Summit 2025: Bringing Industry Leaders Together to Tackle the Workforce Challenge
The fourth edition of our Skills Gap Summit brought together industry leaders, workforce development professionals, and Operations and Maintenance Leaders for a day of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovative discussions on closing the skills gap in manufacturing. The event growing each year, with over 200 registrations for this year’s event, underscores the urgency of this challenge and the collective commitment to finding solutions.
This year’s event featured insightful discussions on operational discipline, workforce training, and technology-driven solutions, highlighting real-world strategies to equip the next generation with essential skills. The conversations throughout the day reaffirmed the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation in overcoming workforce shortages.
A huge thank you to our incredible speakers and engaged attendees who made this event so impactful. Your contributions are shaping the future of the industry, ensuring that today’s workforce is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
Speakers

David Gosnay
Manager, Training & Development
LyondellBasell

Falko Abels
VP of Operations
BASF

Tarah Schneberger
Global Technical Learning
Solutions Manager
LyondellBasell

Shane Fast
VCM Unit Manager Westlake

Dale Tidwell
Learning & Development Specialist
BASF

Robert Pitts
Global Projects IT Discovery and Strategy Manager, Exxon

Ruben Cano
GTLS Senior Training Specialist
LyondellBassell

Mike Airington
GTLS Training Specialist
LyondellBassell

Richard Bass
HSE&S Manager
Kuraray

Susan Dadd
Director Site Logistics Covestro

Amanda Deaver
Global Environmental Manager
Olin

Jaime Aguilera
CEO
Voovio
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Presentations
Safety Moment | David Gosnay | LyondellBasel
A Skills Gap or Not, That is the Question | Falko Abels | BASF
Panel: Automation Paradox | BASF, LYB, Westlake, Exxon, Formosa, Covestro
Common Knowledge is not so Common| Susan Dadd | Covestro
Why are Some Initiatives Doomed to Fail? | Jaime Aguilera | Voovio
Safety Culture and Leadership | Richard Bass | Kuraray
Operations Discipline Enhancements | Tarah Schneberger | LyondellBasell
Leadership Scenario Training | Ruben Cano & Mike Airington | LyondellBasell
Attracting & Retaining Women in Manufacturing | Amanda Deaver | Olin
Thanks again to everyone who joined us in Houston for an insightful and engaging day! We’re looking forward to seeing you again next year!