Students, including high school dual credit stars, excel in hands-on refinery training with Motiva mentors
May 09, 2025
LSCPA Process Technology instructor Ken Ballou works with students at the Motiva Training Unit. (LSCPA photo/Diana Crutchfield)
Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our Process Technology and Instrumentation Technology students, including talented dual credit high school students, who completed an inspiring hands-on training at the state-of-the-art Motiva Training Unit on campus. Guided by LSCPA Faculty and experienced Motiva workers, this program showcases our commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening Southeast Texas’s vibrant industrial community.
Over two weekends in May, students worked in rotating eight-hour shifts across 48 hours, mirroring the dynamic environment of refinery operations. Each shift included four Process Technology students and two Instrumentation Technology students, some of whom were dual credit high school students earning college credits. Together, they tackled critical tasks like monitoring systems, conducting instrument and valve checks, and responding to Control Room directives. Motiva workers provided hands-on mentorship, sharing valuable insights into the collaboration between the training units, the Control Room, and the real-world job expectations for both Process Technology and Instrumentation roles. Designed to support students who may not yet have had an internship within their field, the program complements the internship opportunities offered as part of our degree plan and sharpens the expertise of those with industry exposure.
“This training is a transformative opportunity,” said George Bohn, Program Coordinator for Process Technology and Instrumentation Technology. “With Motiva’s guidance, our students are gaining skills, teamwork, and confidence to thrive in our community’s industries. They’re our neighbors, our future, and Port Arthur’s vitality.
"At Lamar State College Port Arthur, we’re building a skilled, inspired workforce that uplifts our region. This collaboration highlights our dedication to empowering Port Arthur’s next generation to lead with excellence in Southeast Texas’s industrial heart."