EMPLOYEE NAME: Per Lorentzen
JOB AT CHEVRON: Construction Manager for the Chevron Richmond Refinery
YEARS WITH CHEVRON: 9
EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Denmark and a master’s in Business Administration from Scotland.
Tell us about your job at Chevron.
I manage the various construction projects that we have going on here at the refinery, which involves organizing our contractors, ensuring that quality is met and overseeing the safety plans that are in place.
What do you like best about your job?
I like to be challenged, and I like working with people. When our team executes well, I feel good about it. I like seeing when a plan comes together.
Tell us about your role in the Refinery Modernization Project.
In addition to managing construction of the project itself, I also work closely with our partners in this community, including the Building Trade Unions, the Workforce Investment Board and the City of Richmond to ensure that many of the jobs created by the project are reserved for Richmond residents.
How many jobs will be created by modernization?
At its peak, this project will create up to 1,000 construction jobs and 1,300 related jobs. We are hoping that many of those jobs go to Richmond residents. We are currently working with RichmondBUILD, the city’s job training program, to help residents qualify for jobs on the project.
What is your advice for Richmond residents interested in finding a job on the modernization project?
If you are interested in working on a construction job as part of the project, I recommend reaching out to the Contra Costa Construction and Building Trades Council and joining one of their apprenticeship programs. There are lots of opportunities in construction, including painters, boilermakers, electricians, scaffold builders, insulators, laborers and many others.
Any advice for residents interested in applying?
Early preparation is key to getting into the union apprenticeship programs. There are sometimes math tests and other requirements that may take some time and effort to meet.
Any details about what modernization means to you personally?
I was hired for this job nine years ago, and it’s the reason I am still here. Modernization is good for the company, good for the environment, good for the local economy and good for the people in Richmond. I want to see it finally finished.
For more information about the programs mentioned above, visit www.richmondproud.com/modernization-and-jobs
