San Jacinto College CPET hosts training open house for industry professionals
The Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology recently hosted an Incumbent Training
Open House to showcase San Jacinto College's high-quality training programs and state-of-the-art
facilities.
A panel of subject matter experts, moderated by Jim Griffin, CPET associate vice chancellor, shared their insights on the value of CPET's training and facilities. Panelists included Richard Rivera, senior specialist at Celanese Chemicals; Sterling Stopkey, production manager at Oxy Petroleum; and Joe Thierry, reliability training specialist at Covestro.
"Training is difficult when it's purely lecture-based," Stopkey said. "Being able to come here and get hands-on experience with equipment in a controlled environment is invaluable."
CPET houses degree programs in process technology, instrumentation, electrical, inspection technology, and environmental health and safety. The building's 35 labs and the 8,000-square-foot exterior glycol process unit are all utilized for degree programs and incumbent worker training based on the industry's needs and desires.
One key takeaway from the event was the importance of fostering better communication between engineers and operators specifically with CPET’s engineering bootcamps.
"In the past, engineers and operators often worked in silos, with little interaction," Thierry said. "Now, through the bootcamps, engineers can better understand the challenges operators face, leading to improved efficiency and collaboration on the job."
The panelists emphasized the value of experiential learning. Rivera referenced a quote posted at his training center: "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I learn." This philosophy was echoed throughout the event, with hands-on training proving more effective than traditional classroom-based instruction alone.
The discussion also touched on tightening environmental regulations and the demand for highly skilled workers. The incumbent worker training program addresses these challenges by providing tailored training solutions that help companies meet compliance standards while improving overall performance.
While workforce training requires investment, companies recognize the long-term benefits of partnering with San Jac, including reduced operational downtime, improved safety, and more efficient processes.
When you have well-trained employees, you see the impact in fewer mistakes, better communication, and increased productivity. It's hard to put an exact dollar figure on it, but the benefits are undeniable. We had a group of operators go through our in-house training and then attend CPET's program. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—they felt more confident in their skills and appreciated the team-based approach to learning.
As the industry adapts to new challenges, CPET's incumbent worker training program remains at the forefront of workforce development, providing critical training that ensures employees are equipped to meet the demands of an ever-evolving petrochemical landscape.
