The LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology hosted a virtual Legislative Learning Initiative visit focused on workforce training programs and adult learners.
The initiative — funded by the Gates Foundation and facilitated by the Hunt Institute, Educate Texas, and the Texas Success Center — helps legislators become more familiar with educational needs in focused areas.
Senator Brandon Creighton, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, was on hand to learn more about the groundbreaking workforce training programs offered at CPET.
Also in attendance were San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer; Michael VanDerSnick, senior vice president of Americas manufacturing for LyondellBassell; and Jim Griffin, associate vice chancellor and senior vice president for CPET.
Over the course of the visit, Creighton emphasized "the importance of helping adult learners re-engage with higher education and earn in-demand industry credentials of value that are proven to meet the needs of regional employers."
One such adult learner, process technology student Charles Wilson, shared his story with the senator and other guests.
"As an older student, I have come to appreciate that you are never too old to learn and evolve as long as institutions like San Jacinto College are around," Wilson said.
The visit was part of a larger project to help legislators become familiar with educational innovations and needs statewide.