By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond resident Paris Scott was a stay-at-home mom of four children when she decided to sign up for Chevron’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Her goal was to gain “all the knowledge and experience that comes with it.” But also, she hoped to emerge from her shell, improve her resume, and ultimately, find a promising career at Chevron.
On Thursday, May 8, Scott was among 54 adult students who graduated from the free, 18-week training program that prepares students for in-demand jobs at Chevron Richmond and other industrial facilities. Students also receive expert guidance on resume and interview prep.
“This is your opportunity…to take all that sacrifice and put it into work.”
ROP offers process plant operator courses during the day or evening that are funded by Chevron and implemented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Essentially, the program connects local residents to opportunities for promising careers at various industrial facilities, including but not limited to Chevron Richmond.
Thursday’s ROP graduation ceremony took place before a lunchtime crowd of approximately 200 people at Chevron Richmond.
Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Jeff Brauning commended the graduates during his remarks, underscoring the commitment required to earn a certificate and the potential for life-changing opportunities.
Brauning recounted bumping into a Chevron ROP graduate at 7-Eleven one day. The graduate said that he’s now an operator—and it’s changed his life. He bought a house, owns a nice truck, is married and has two kids and is poised to pay for their college educations. “So that makes me really happy to be part of that,” said Brauning.
He reminded the ROP graduates that there’s a lot of opportunities out there. “If the door gets shut the first time, keep knocking on that door. Make sure that you’re persistent…keep interviewing. You get a little better each time. As long as you keep doing those things, good things will happen.”
The ROP curriculum under Chevron program instructor, Jay Lloyd, goes far beyond what it takes to earn a Certificate of Proficiency as a refinery/process plant operator. Scott said that Lloyd “taught me to believe in myself and to stop limiting myself with my own thoughts…(He) taught me that I’m the only one standing in my way.”
Lloyd, one of a number of speakers at the graduation, congratulated his cohort and reminded them that “this is not the finish line.”
“This is your opportunity…to take all that sacrifice and put it into work,” said Lloyd, who received an ROP hoodie that was created and presented by his students.
The ROP graduation also saw brief remarks and appearances from Learning and Development Manager Zack Steiner, County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey, graduate Centina Lewis-Reed, Lejon Fahim Reese of Motivated 2 Help Others and the 1 Hundred Years Enterprise Foundation, JMW Career Consultant Jessica M. Williams, and families and supporters. Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop of El Cerrito provided the lunch, courtesy of Chevron.
Learn more about upcoming Chevron ROP sessions here.
