Process tech degrees pay off with careers at Lyondell
Eleven San Jacinto College process technology graduates were recently hired as LyondellBasell plant operators, proving they have the training it takes to fill the skills gap in today’s petrochemical industry.A signing ceremony was held in October to celebrate the graduates’ achievements of earning their associate degrees, completing their 15-week I nternships and being offered full-time positions with LyondellBasell. LyondellBasell plays a key role on the San Jacinto College Petrochemical Advisory Council, which ensures students receive training in the exact skillsets requested by industry employers. “Area community colleges, like San Jacinto College, offer us a ready-made talent pool,” said David Gosnay, manager for training and development with LyondellBasell. Gosnay serves on the Petrochemical Advisory Council, offering guidance on the construction of the 145,000-square-foot Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology, set to open in fall 2019. “This is a natural fit for us to find great applicants to fill positions within our plant. With the Center opening in 2019, this will change the face of how we recruit up and down the Gulf Coast.” Gosnay added that LyondellBasell only offers internships for positions available, and 95 percent of those who successfully complete their internships are offered full-time jobs. He said another round of internships is currently underway for 25 positions. “I highly recommend this career because it provides a great living and stability,” said Joshua Love, recent hire and San Jacinto College graduate. “I notice LyondellBasell is hiring for a lot of positions because of the expansions going on, and people are retiring.”
Flickinger earns Governor’s award
San Jacinto College Board of Trustees Chair Marie Flickinger has been named a recipient of the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award. For her work following Hurricane Harvey last year, Mrs. Flickinger is the recipient of The Governor’s Commission for Women Disaster Relief Assistance Award. After the massive rains that plagued the Houston region last year, Mrs. Flickinger ensured that her community received timely updates and knew where to find resources. She worked with the Pasadena Independent School District and other community supporters to set up a temporary shelter at Dobie High School, which fed and housed more than 1,650 displaced Texans. Mrs. Flickinger also coordinated more than 150 volunteers at the temporary shelter, including volunteers from the American Red Cross. “This is a tremendous honor for Marie,” said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “She is, and has always been, a champion for the people of this region, and her actions following Hurricane Harvey reflected that. She tirelessly dedicates her life to those around her and to her community, and we are all so very fortunate to have her on our side.” Read more online at sanjac.edu/article/flickinger-governor-award.
Police Officer of the Year named
The San Jacinto College Police Department honored officer Jesse Mendoza as its 2018 Officer of the Year at a reception on the College’s South Campus on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Mendoza was chosen for the award by his fellow officers. “I’m so thankful for all the support from everyone,” Mendoza said. “I’m very humbled and so honored.” Since starting at San Jacinto College four years ago, Mendoza has become a training officer, teaching new recruits about the College and its policies and procedures; as well as a certified instructor for CPR and first aid for instruction to both officers and the community. Mendoza also leads the efforts of the San Jacinto College Police Department on fundraising and volunteering with the Law Enforcement Torch run and Tip-a-Cop benefitting the Special Olympics. Under his leadership and through the efforts of the department, San Jacinto College police officers have raised more than $9,000 for Special Olympics.
