News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richmond, Calif., February 12, 2009 - Contra Costa College and Chevron announced today a career education seminar to update and inform students and the Richmond community about possible career opportunities at the Chevron’s Richmond Refinery. The focus of the Career Night seminar is to expand upon career opportunities at the Richmond Refinery as well as announce the formation of two new certificate programs.

The seminar will take place at the Contra Costa College Fireside Room on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The campus is located at 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo, CA 94806.

Jointly developed between Contra Costa College and Chevron’s Richmond Refinery, the programs will prepare students with the necessary educational tools in order to be considered for a successful career in the manufacturing industry.

Upon completion, students will be prepared to pursue good-paying, rewarding operations and maintenance careers. “This partnership is good for Contra Costa College and Chevron’s Richmond Refinery because it expands options for students and shows that Chevron is a great community partner interested in developing and hiring local talent,” said Priscilla Leadon, Dean of Economic Development at Contra Costa College.

The course work for one of the certification programs, called Process Plant Operator, covers subjects such as a manufacturing industry overview, safety, pumps, instrumentation, heat transfer systems and refining processes.

The second course certification, called Industrial Plant Operations Intern, is a two-part certificate offered through the college’s engineering department. The first semester certificate includes a college-level English and math course, a computer course, and a career life planning/soft skills course. The second half of the certificate includes course work in physics, chemistry, and a business course. Contra Costa College recommends that students complete both semesters, but depending upon job openings and timing, it is suggested to at least complete the first semester to be considered for opportunities.

"Chevron Richmond Refinery is committed to supporting education and job creation in the Richmond community and surrounding areas,” said Mike Coyle, Chevron Richmond Refinery General Manager. “We are proud to partner with Contra Costa College because we both recognize that an investment in education is an investment in Richmond’s future economic growth.

Notes to Editors:

About Contra Costa College:
Contra Costa College is a comprehensive community college located in San Pablo, California. We serve primarily the residents of West Contra Costa County. As a public community college that serves urban constituents rich in diversity, our mission is to offer instruction that meets the community needs and student services that ensure opportunities that fulfill students’ training and educational goals. Contra Costa College believes that all individuals have inherent worth and dignity and are entitled to develop their full potential. Students will enjoy an improved quality of life, communities will prosper economically and socially, and families, neighborhoods, and community will be strengthened when residents share a commitment to lifelong learning.

About Chevron Richmond Refinery:
The Chevron Richmond Refinery is located on 2,900 acres 25 miles from San Francisco and produced high quality transportation fuels created for the San Francisco Bay Area and Northwest United States. We take pride in our commitment to serving our community, conducting safe operations and protecting the environment. With a capacity to process 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day, Chevron’s Richmond Refinery makes gasoline for passenger cars, jet fuel for airplanes, and diesel fuel for trucks and trains. In addition to producing transportation fuels, the refinery produces a variety of lubricating oils which are distributed throughout the Western United States. Chevron’s Richmond Refinery is the largest producer of base oils, the main component of lubricant blends, in the West Coast.

For more information please contact:

Contra Costa College
Priscilla Leadon
(510) 235-7800, Ext. 4456
pleadon@contracosta.edu

Chevron Richmond Refinery
Brent Tippen
(510) 242-4700
Brent.Tippen@chevron.com