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Students in the regional occupational program.

regional occupational program

The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) is a free job readiness course offered through a partnership with Chevron and the Contra Costa County Office of Education that helps prepare students for a job in the petrochemical and related industries. Students will learn the basic processes and equipment common to the industry and have an opportunity to make connections with local employers. The courses also help develop strong communication and teamwork skills, and job safety is emphasized throughout.

cortney colmore

“The Chevron ROP program strengthened my communication and interview skills tremendously. I can now stand in front of an audience and speak with confidence. My life has done a complete 180. Sometimes you just need one opportunity and for me it was the Chevron ROP program. It allowed me to explore new experiences, learn new skills and develop my potential.”
“The Chevron ROP program strengthened my communication and interview skills tremendously. I can now stand in front of an audience and speak with confidence. My life has done a complete 180. Sometimes you just need one opportunity and for me it was the Chevron ROP program. It allowed me to explore new experiences, learn new skills and develop my potential.”

sophia jackson

“The ROP program provided me with the skills and experience necessary to successfully land a job as an Operator at the Chevron Richmond Refinery. Besides the technical training, the program also emphasizes teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, all of which are crucial as an Operator.”
“The ROP program provided me with the skills and experience necessary to successfully land a job as an Operator at the Chevron Richmond Refinery. Besides the technical training, the program also emphasizes teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, all of which are crucial as an Operator.”

anthony scopesie:

“ROP is a program that not only prepares you to work in the industrial environment, but also, most importantly, ROP sets you up to be successful in life for whatever career path you may choose. I learned about a range of different subjects, such as how equipment in the refinery works, while also learning to use the resources around me to be successful, manage my time, my goals and my future.”
“ROP is a program that not only prepares you to work in the industrial environment, but also, most importantly, ROP sets you up to be successful in life for whatever career path you may choose. I learned about a range of different subjects, such as how equipment in the refinery works, while also learning to use the resources around me to be successful, manage my time, my goals and my future.”

juan esparza:

“One takeaway from the ROP program was the immense amount of support that we received, not only to learn about the industry, but to gain real-life skills as well. We were taught to speak in front of groups, how to build connections and, most importantly, how to communicate. This program was a steppingstone for me to pursue a job that has impacted my family in a positive way.”
“One takeaway from the ROP program was the immense amount of support that we received, not only to learn about the industry, but to gain real-life skills as well. We were taught to speak in front of groups, how to build connections and, most importantly, how to communicate. This program was a steppingstone for me to pursue a job that has impacted my family in a positive way.”

program info

Process Plant Operator (PPO)
Classes Start: January and July
Sessions: One class session per day (Monday – Thursday).
Either 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Class Length: 80 days
Cost: None
Course: The PPO course will help students prepare for an entry level operator job in the petrochemical and related industries.

Curriculum includes:

  • Job Safety
  • Plant Processes and Equipment
  • Communication and Teamwor
  • Piping and Heating Systems
  • Instrumentation
  • Industry-related Math and Science

Students must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a basic math and reading comprehension assessment
  • Have a valid CA driver’s license
Richmond Training Program
Illustration of a lightbulb with a gear in the middle

This program is offered twice a year, typically in January and July, with registration opening a few months before the program starts.

visit the contra costa county office of education website to register

For questions, email jlloyd@cccoe.k12.ca.us