Many kids aspire to be YouTube stars, professional gamers, athletes or doctors. A career in energy might not top their lists, but our industry offers countless opportunities for success.
UPA member companies are active with their support of innovative educational and training programs that develop leaders and enhance industry employment pathways. For example, Chevron is reaching Utah students through several programs that equip them for a future in the energy workforce.
“Chevron believes in building the STEM and trade skills of students because they will not only be tomorrow’s energy workers, but they will also be the innovators we need,” said Troy Tortorich, Chevron Salt Lake Refinery manager.
Supporting Energy Education
In partnership with the Utah Office of Energy Development, the Chevron Refinery has provided college scholarships to over 100 Utah students pursuing STEM careers. This Energy Pathways Scholarship has helped students around the state achieve their educational goals since the program began in 2016.
And in the Davis School District, Chevron sponsors the annual STEM Fair, where refinery employees join the fun by serving as judges. Over the years, Chevron has also sent 120 Davis School District students to the International Science and Engineering Fair — resulting in scholarships, internship opportunities and irreplaceable experiences for those who participate.
Inspiring Innovative Outreach
Chevron values new ways of thinking and is proud to support teachers when they develop new programming ideas, like the first Tech-Hers Jr. event held at the Davis Catalyst Center last year. The conference inspired girls in fifth through eighth grade to keep pursuing their STEM interests.
At this year’s Tech-Hers Jr., Chevron’s Environmental Lead Lauren Vander Werff and Value Chain Analyst Celia Guiterrez joined a panel of women leading in technology careers. They showed young girls in the audience what opportunities are available in their futures.
“My motto is, ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.’ I think leaders in the energy sector have a responsibility to role model career pathways like this, and I really appreciated the chance to participate in such a unique learning event,” said Vander Werff, who also serves as chair of UPA’s Downstream Regulatory Committee.
“Chevron is frequently the first at the table to offer a title sponsorship for an event or to collaborate on new avenues for community involvement,” said Jodi Lunt, executive director of the Davis Education Foundation. “They encourage their employees to engage in community efforts and provide organized service opportunities for members of the Chevron family. The level of generosity exemplified by Chevron makes them stand out among their peers. When Chevron gives, the needle can really move on important education and social initiatives.”
Creating Career Pathways
Chevron also sponsors scholarships at Davis Technical College and provides an industry perspective on the college’s advisory and executive boards. Chevron and Davis Tech also recently launched an operator internship program — creating a direct pathway from coursework to full-time employment at the refinery.
Josh Hobson was looking for a career shift after serving in the Marines and working as a roughneck on oil rigs. While he was studying in Davis Technology College’s automation and robotics program, Josh completed a three-month paid internship at the Chevron refinery that offered realistic career exploration and skill development. He then accepted a job offer to join Chevron full time as an operator trainee.
“I don’t think anywhere can prepare you for the schedule or the magnitude of what you’ll be dealing with on a daily basis,” said Josh. “With the internship, you can go through and touch all of the equipment in a controlled environment. But it can be a wild beast out there. The internship is really good with that. I was able to piggyback a couple of really great operators who led me through it.”
For its dedication to enhancing learning outcomes, Chevron received the 2024 Honors in Education Award from Utah First Lady Abby Cox. It’s not YouTube fame, it’s better. Chevron provides a critical channel of opportunity that will shape the success of our industry and our communities.
