Environmental Health and Safety: A Commitment to Sustainable Growth
San Jacinto College international student, Abdulaziz Albabtain, is one of three employees sent from Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura Refinery to the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology to train in the environmental health and safety field. The center is at the forefront of training future environmental health and safety professionals. This program is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance across diverse industries.
“I’ve worked for Saudi Aramco for 13 years, including a few months as a safety advisor before coming to San Jac,” Albabtain said. “Although I had experience, I’ve gained so much more here. I was the first from my refinery to study at San Jac and will graduate next semester. When I return, I’ll be the safety team supervisor.”
The program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage environmental risks in both private and public sectors, addressing the growing demand for environmentally responsible and safety-conscious professionals.
At San Jac, we’re committed to advancing our environmental health and safety program to meet the evolving demands of fields like construction, petrochemicals, and healthcare. Our curriculum is crafted to reflect the real-world needs of operations and maintenance, ensuring that students acquire relevant, practical skills that lead directly to job opportunities. Our industry partnerships provide networking and hands-on experience, giving graduates a competitive edge.
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students engage in laboratory exercises, fieldwork, and simulations that replicate scenarios they’ll encounter in their careers. This practical approach ensures graduates are well-prepared, with a solid grounding in industrial practices, environmental and safety regulations, and current EHS issues.
“Safety management is a constantly evolving field,” said G.C. Shah, process technology professor. “Often students are former nurses or operators, but I work with students of all backgrounds to close knowledge gaps and master essential safety topics like confined space entry and fall prevention. Success in this industry requires attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to ongoing learning—qualities we foster in our students.”
The program’s partnerships with local industries further enhance its value, providing students with networking opportunities that bridge academic knowledge and practical application.
San Jac is a preferred training site for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and for companies preparing to become Voluntary Protection Program Star Sites, thanks to its high-quality facilities. In addition to EHS training, the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology offers degree programs in process technology, instrumentation, electrical, and inspection technology. The building includes 35 specialized labs and an 8,000-square-foot outdoor glycol process unit, all used to support degree programs and provide training for current industry workers based on the specific needs and goals of the field.
As organizations prioritize sustainability and regulatory compliance, the demand for skilled environmental health and safety professionals grows. San Jacinto College’s EHS program prepares students for careers in industries such as construction, oil and gas, and healthcare.
Graduates are equipped to work as environmental health officers, safety managers, industrial hygienists, and compliance officers. The program also encourages students to pursue additional certifications, such as Certified Safety Professional or Certified Industrial Hygienist. Dickerson is also in the works to create a transfer pathway from environment health and safety technology associate degree to the University of Houston Clear-Lake occupational safety and health bachelor’s degree, further enhancing their career prospects.
Learn more about the environmental health and safety program
