During a ceremony at Limetree Bay Refinery LLC on Friday, Oct. 11, officials of Limetree presented certificates of completion for basic operator training to 19 residents of St. Croix as they train to become refinery process operators.
The graduates completed a rigorous six-week training program and were the second class to graduate from the Basic Operator Training Program at Limetree Bay Refining this year.
In his remarks to the graduates, Bob Weldzius, Limetree Bay Refining senior vice president and general manager, congratulated them on their successful completion of the program. Weldzius said, “The success of the restart can only be accomplished if everyone does their job flawlessly and safely.”
He encouraged the graduates to continue learning by asking questions and being inquisitive. Weldzius reassured them and their families that leadership will ensure that all employees are adequately trained to perform their jobs safely before the facility restarts.
Valerie Richardson, who was selected to speak on behalf of the graduates, described how elated she had been to receive the call informing her that she was selected to participate in the Basic Operator Training Program. She explained that she and her fellow classmates found the program challenging and described the range of topics they learned to include refining processes, instrumentation, pumps and more.
The class collectively expressed its commitment to ensuring proper maintenance, care and protection of the facility for years to come. The graduates were all supported by friends and family who applauded their accomplishments.
