$100,000 Donation Supports Industrial Trades Center
TEXAS CITY, Texas, June 8, 2021 – Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) is helping hundreds of teenagers in Galveston County gain industrial skills that are in high demand by employers across the surrounding region. Representatives of MPC’s Galveston Bay refinery on Tuesday presented a $100,000 check from the Marathon Petroleum Foundation to the Texas City Independent School District’s Industrial Trades Center (ITC) for internships, continuing education, dual credit programs, student scholarships, equipment and supplies over the next year.
“We want to thank the school district for enhancing the learning experiences for all our students to support the success of Texas City and our Galveston Bay refinery,” said Galveston Bay refinery’s Human Resources Manager Keith Hightower, who took part in the presentation at a school district board meeting. “MPC played a key role in the development of the center as part of our strategy to make students aware of, and qualified for, the many incredible job opportunities that exist within MPC and broader industry.”
Through Galveston Bay refinery representatives, MPC was instrumental in bringing about the 2017 launch of the ITC by working with other organizations in the area to arrange the necessary planning and funding. MPC provided curriculum guidance and financial resources, as well as donated a crane, forklift and other equipment and supplies. Since the ITC’s creation, MPC has continued to support the facility as an ITC Community Partner through various forms of annual assistance.
The 30,000-square-foot complex has the capacity for as many as 400 students. It offers training in seven trades: maritime, construction, welding, pipefitting, instrumentation, electrical and machinist. All students also have opportunities to receive certifications on heavy equipment simulators that help them learn how to operate mobile cranes, excavators, bulldozers and forklifts. After completing their programs, students are prepared to pursue further education and training with another key partner, The College of the Mainland, or seek job opportunities in various industrial fields.
This video provides a detailed overview of MPC’s partnership with ITC, including comments from students about how they benefit. This partnership has been featured as a best practice by the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Texas Chemistry Council.
About Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system. MPC’s marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company that owns and operates gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure. More information is available at www.marathonpetroleum.com.
