Jan 30, 2018

Melvin Robertson is just one of three mechanical maintenance technician students who received an apprenticeship with INEOS Olefins & Polymers in 2017. 

Robertson, now at the INEOS Chocolate Bayou, was introduced to COM’s mechanical maintenance technician program by a coworker at Zachary who was also a previous student of the COM program. 

Although Robertson was already in the field, he knew the importance of having training and a certificate.

“Employment opportunities increase at a company like INEOS by having that certificate,” he said. “A certificate and the hands-on experience you get in the field prepares you for a job.”

Once he started the program, Melvin realized he was going to gain valuable knowledge from COM’s instructors.

“I hadn’t taken math since high school, but I learned so much from Mr. Himel,” he said. “Mr. Himel started with the basic addition and brought us all the way to trigonometry.

“The instructors have your best interest at heart and want you to learn so you can be successful.”

Instructors bring years of field experience to the classroom. “Mr. Lloyd Lindsey knew everything about rotating equipment, and his knowledge showed in his teachings. He made sure we knew it, too,” Melvin added.

The need for qualified industrial craft instructors is increasing due to the demand for more skilled workers in the field of mechanical maintenance technician, machinists, electrical, HVAC, instrumentation, pipefitting and welding.  College of the Mainland hires instructors with experience in the field and have a desire to train the next generation of craft professionals. 

Classes are held in the evening twice a week to accommodate the working student.

For more information on the COM Mechanical Maintenance Technician Program visit www.com.edu/ce or call 409-933-8586.