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An MGCCC Petrochemical Refining student works at the Jackson County Campus.
In 2003, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College developed the associate-degree program for Process Technology: Petrochemical Refining. Five years later, the program has been recognized with the Outstanding Program Award by the Mississippi chapter of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). The award came during the organization’s state conference July 25 at Hinds Community College in Raymond.
“The program started with five students, but it’s grown to 125,” said Anna Faye Kelley-Winders, Gulf Coast Community Campus vice president. “It’s grown to this size and received this honor thanks to the hard work and dedication of instructor Tommie Broome and her staff.”
The program is designed to prepare technicians for employment in the diverse field of process operations petroleum refineries, power-generation facilities, pharmaceutical plants, chemical plants, wastewater treatment plants, food-and-beverage process plants, offshore oil production facilities, and a host of other industries. The program is supported by an industry advisory committee made up of several local employers, including Chevron, Shell, British Petroleum and other industry partners.
Students graduating from the program fill the positions being left open due to growth in the industry and attrition.
“Job placement is predicted to be outstanding for process technicians for the next five to 10 years,” Broome said. “Entry-level salaries usually range from $55,000-65,000 a year. Our program prepares students to develop careers as safe, efficient and environmentally responsible process technicians.
For more information on Process Technology: Petrochemical Refining Program, contact Broome at 228-497-7803, or e-mail tommie.broome@mgccc.edu.