ISTC Quarterly Newsletter – April

Latest ISTC Updates! Quarterly Newsletter



ISTC: Supporting Industry Through Safety, Training, and Community Engagement

At ISTC, we are proud to serve our industrial community as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to high-quality training and education. Our mission centers around promoting excellence in safety, workforce development, and community collaboration.

In this update, you’ll find:

  • The latest ISTC procedure updates
  • Essential safety information
  • Highlights of our upcoming building renovations
  • Valuable resources to support your team

We’re excited to share these important developments as part of our continued commitment to empowering industry professionals and creating a safer, stronger community.

Hurricane Season Outlook

Hurricane season officially begins June1 and runs through November 30. The National Hurricane Center (NHC), part of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and widely regarded as the most authoritative and accurate source for hurricane predictions, will begin issuing regular Tropical Weather Outlooks and providing updates on potential tropical cyclone activity as early as May 15. 



  Stay informed with these Resources for Monitoring the Season

The best time to prepare for a storm is well before it makes landfall. ISTC, in partnership with Lamar University’s Center for Resiliency, provides SmartStorm training – how to prepare for a storm, instructions for documenting damage for insurance claims and post storm clean up procedures. 

Learn More Today!

SmartStorm

Transition to Link Complete

We’re excited to announce that ISTC has completely transitioned from Atlas to LINK, our new and improved scheduling platform. This comprehensive software is user friendly, easy to navigate.

LINK Tutorial Videos

If you have any questions about LINK, contact Client Relations clientrelations@istc.net

ISTC Badge Updates

As of March 3, 2025, ISTC badges have been updated to incorporate the following changes:

  • Full Expiration Date Visibility – The badge will now display the full expiration date and reflect a one- year expiration from the date the training was complete.
  • Safety Essentials Listed on Front – Safety Essentials will be prominently displayed on the front of the badge.
  • Categorized Training on Back – The training information on the back of the badge will now be organized into specific categories for easier reference.

ISTC Learning and Development

Safety is more than a priority – it’s a necessity. When lives are on the line, your team deserves training they can rely on. Our expert development team brings safety to life through interactive, engaging, and customizable training solutions.

Video showcasing ISTC development capabilities

Quarterly Luncheon Success

We appreciate all who attended our April Customer Luncheon. During the catered event we discussed ISTC news and events, updates and new training and programs. Most importantly, we heard from you – our clients – about what is working well and what we need to improve. 

Save the date – Upcoming Quarterly Luncheons

Join us for our next complimentary Customer Quarterly Luncheon. We will cover the latest news and exciting ISTC updates. In addition, we want to hear your feedback about how we can improve. This meeting is particularly useful for Office Admin, Schedulers, Accounting, and Safety Representatives.

Register

Join us for our next complimentary Customer Quarterly Luncheon. We will cover the latest news and exciting ISTC updates. In addition, we want to hear your feedback about how we can improve. This meeting is particularly useful for Office Admin, Schedulers, Accounting, and Safety Representatives.

Register

Eat Mor Chikin at ISTC!

The Safety Training Lobby now has a Chick-Fil-A. Yes, that’s right. In addition to get-it-go options in ISTC’s Moncla Mart and vending machines, we have a Chick-Fil-A that offers some favored items including sandwiches, salads, wraps, chips, fruit, cookies and brownies. No one goes hungry at ISTC even if you’re in training all day. 

Introducing Southeast Texas Safety Academy!

ISTC is partnering with Southeast Texas Owner stakeholders to establish an instructor led academy designed to enhance overall safety commitment, culture, and approach to preventing life altering Injuries and fatalities in SETX through an industry wide set of standards. Southeast Texas Safety Academy is computer-based and hands-on training to teach the 12 Life-Saving Rules, key safety principles created to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in industry.

We appreciate our partners and the opportunity to bring this dynamic and vital program to Southeast Texas.

Participating Owners and Topics

  • Energy Isolation
  • Working Around Mobile Equipment (WAME)
  • Working at Heights
  • Safe Mechanical Lift
  • Excavation
  • Line of Fire
  • Driving
  • Work Authorization
  • Breaking Containment / OPE
  • Confined Space
  • Hot Work
  • Bypassing Safety Controls

Owner Site Requirement Matrix

Ever wonder about an asset owner site’s Safety Program requirements? We’re here to help! To clarify the requirements for each site, ISTC has developed an Owner Site Requirements Matrix. This resource is available 24/7 on our website and is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. You can view the matrix by clicking below, and see all the requirements for our owner sites throughout Southeast Texas!

Owner Matrix

NEW Matrix Chatbot!

Need quick access to owner requirements for a specific site? Our new Owner Requirement Chatbot makes it easier than ever. Simply enter the plant name, and the Chatbot will instantly provide you with the most up-to-date requirements for that owner site—saving you time and ensuring accuracy. Whether you’re preparing for a project or double-checking compliance, the Chatbot is your go-to resource for reliable information at your fingertips.

Specialized Training Courses

ISTC’s specialized training courses empower your team with key skills. Specialized training classes include but are not limited to: Excavation and Trenching Competent Person, Fall Protection Competent Person, and Scaffold Competent Person. These courses are taught at ISTC locations and on-site.

More Information

Excavation and Trenching

ISTC’s Excavation and Trenching Competent Person Training provides a comprehensive overview of OSHA standards and key safety considerations related to excavation and trenching operations. The course covers essential topics including types of shoring, OSHA excavation and trenching regulations, soil mechanics, and testing methods.

Fall Protection Competent Person

Participants in this course gain essential knowledge with ISTC’s Fall Protection Competent Person Training, designed around the requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. This course focuses on OSHA standards and best practices to help ensure safe fall protection procedures.

Frontline Supervisor

This course is designed for those stepping into leadership. ISTC’s Frontline Supervisor Specialized Training Course (09FLSUP) empowers frontline leaders with critical skills in communication, conflict resolution, and safety practices—giving them the tools to build high-performing teams and create a culture of accountability and trust.

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month to elevate your leadership impact.

Scaffold User Competent Person

Trainees will advance their skills with ISTC’s Scaffold User Competent Person Training (09SCAFCP)! This course delivers essential knowledge on OSHA requirements (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L and 1926.451), including scaffold types, safe applications, planking, ties, and general scaffold safety practices.

ISTC’s Specialized Training Courses build confidence, ensure compliance, and help workers stay safe on the job site — enroll team members today!



**Please note: Completion of these Specialized Training courses does not certify participants as a “Competent Person.” Employers make these designations based on an individual’s training, education, and experience. This course delivers OSHA standards-based information intended to support the training of Excavation and Trenching Competent Persons.

Meet Erin Sylvie – Baytown Supervisor

Erin Sylvie has been a valued member of ISTC-Baytown for 14 years, beginning her journey as a Computer-Based Training (CBT) Proctor before moving into Customer Service, where she quickly advanced to a supervisory role. In 2023, Erin was promoted to Baytown Supervisor, where she oversees all operations — from building maintenance to Customer Service to CBT — ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

“I enjoy meeting our customers and hearing about their work onsite after completing their safety training,” Erin shares. “I also love coming to work and catching up with our staff about their weekends, families, and children.”

Known for her nurturing spirit and problem-solving skills, Erin thrives on collaborating with her team to resolve challenges and especially values feedback from customers.

“It makes me extremely proud when customers take the time to call, email, or leave a review about the outstanding service they received at ISTC Baytown,” she says.

Originally from the Spring/Tomball area, Erin graduated from Klein Oak High School in 2003 and attended North Harris College, now Lone Star College. She started her family early and is the proud mother of four children: Jaidyn, a junior majoring in chemical engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio; Leighton, a freshman at Summer Creek High School; and Presley and Brennan, who are in fifth and first grade, respectively.

Outside of work, Erin cherishes time spent with her family. Whether visiting her dad in Louisiana, cheering at softball games, or shuttling her kids between activities, family life keeps her joyfully busy.

“My kids keep me on my toes 24/7, and being their mother is the greatest gift I’ve ever received,” Erin says.

100,000+ Safety Essentials Units Delivered in under 4 months

This milestone isn’t just a number — it’s a powerful reflection of the industry’s shift toward smarter, more streamlined safety training. With the most nationwide reciprocity for PSM contractor orientation, Safety Essentials is helping teams get on-site faster and safer than ever before.

“Reaching the milestone of 100,000 Safety Essentials training units delivered in 2025 is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting the men and women who power the oil and gas industry. We’re proud to recognize PRESCA for their continued partnership and leadership in advancing safety standards across the industry. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer workforce,” said Bobby Tupper, President/CEO, Industrial Safety Training Council.

Here’s to raising the bar — and keeping safety at the center of it all. 

ISTC Welcomes Shelly Vitanza

Shelly Vitanza joins ISTC as the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Baytown facility.

Prior to joining ISTC, Shelly worked for BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals in Port Arthur serving in a community relations role. Shelly is a graduate of Texas A&M University, is married and has three children. 

Building Update: A Better Experience for Clients, Trainees, and Employees

ISTC is expanding to better service our clients. By year’s end, the ISTC campus will include a new, state-of-the-art badging facility. This 20,000 sq. ft. space and more than 60 more parking spaces is a critical step toward continuing to deliver the highest quality service, safety and experience for everyone.

  Demand for facility badging services continues to rise, and we’ve had to get creative with space to meet client needs having outgrown our current badging trailers. During turnaround season, the situation becomes even more challenging — at times, trainees must wait outside in the elements to get their badges, exposing them and some of our employees to harsh weather and high winds.

  A key issue is trainee flow. The new facility will dramatically improve the movement of trainees through each phase of training and badging, creating a more efficient and professional experience. Aesthetics also matter; while we’re proud of our beautiful main facility, the trailers detract from its appearance.

Long-Term Benefits for Clients and Employees:

  • Dedicated badging offices for client use — a top priority for Security Managers
  • Room to accommodate future growth and new clients
  • A safer, more comfortable environment for trainees
  • A vastly improved experience for employees currently working in the trailers

Additionally, the new parking lot will provide a dedicated parking area for employees, allowing us to reserve front-of-building parking exclusively for customers using our Conference Center. This will eliminate the need for Facilities to constantly block off parking spaces — making event logistics smoother and more welcoming for visitors.

Meet Barry Stelly – Training Supervisor

Barry Stelly serves as ISTC’s Training Supervisor for both the Beaumont and Baytown campuses. With seven years of dedicated service, Barry leads the frontline training operations — overseeing class schedules, confirming room assignments, verifying student headcounts, and supporting all instructor-led sessions. He takes pride in personally welcoming students to each class, helping set a positive tone for their training experience.

Barry is passionate about creating an engaging atmosphere in the classroom.

“There’s often a misconception that training classes will be long and boring,” he says. “Our instructor team makes it a point to deliver upbeat, lively presentations across all disciplines.”

Over the past two years, ISTC has experienced significant growth, requiring instructors to broaden their expertise to cover both established courses and newly introduced programs. Barry’s team has risen to the challenge with dedication and excellence.

“I’m very proud of our team’s ability to maintain high service standards while adapting to new trainings,” Barry notes.

Barry brings more than 50 years of experience to ISTC, having worked across the refining, petrochemical, chemical, and power generation industries, along with extensive experience in procurement, sales of industrial supplies, and business development. Together, with Barry, ISTC’s 12 instructor-led trainers have more than 400 years’ cumulative industrial safety experience.

Outside of work, Barry’s passions include golfing, playing tennis and pickleball, hunting, fishing, dancing, and traveling. He cherishes time spent visiting his grandchildren in Detroit, MI, and Portland, OR. “I enjoy life — meeting people where they are, living with passion and compassion, and always guided by the Golden Rule,” Barry shares. “I learned long ago that people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. My faith in Jesus Christ allows me to live and work by those values every day.”

Upcoming Events & Holiday Closures

May

26

Memorial Day

ISTC Beaumont and Baytown Locations Closed.

Distance Leaning Platform will remain fully operational.

June

11

Baytown Customer Luncheon

Join us for a catered luncheon where we share the latest ISTC news and updates.

July

04

Independence Day

ISTC Beaumont and Baytown Locations Closed.

Distance Leaning Platform will remain fully operational.

July

29

Beaumont Customer Luncheon

Join us for a catered luncheon where we share the latest ISTC news and updates.

Course Catalog

Distance Learning

Scheduling Resources

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