At ISTC, we are proud to serve the industrial community as a 501(c)(3) non-profit; dedicated to delivering high-quality training and education. Our mission is centered on advancing safety, strengthening the workforce, and supporting industry through meaningful collaboration.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• New Services & Innovations
• Training Highlights
• Community Events
• Team Spotlights

We’re excited to share these updates as part of our continued commitment to supporting your team and building a safer, stronger industry.

ISTC Opens State-of-the-Art Badging Center

ISTC is proud to announce the opening of its new 20,000-square-foot Badging Center, designed to provide a faster, more efficient, and customer-focused badging experience for contractors, owner companies, and industrial partners across Southeast Texas.  

The new facility represents ISTC’s ongoing commitment to investing in workforce readiness while streamlining the onboarding process for thousands of workers entering industrial sites.

Thank you to our Badging Partners

Advanced ID Scanning Strengthens Workforce Security

New JHA Course Helps Build Safer Jobs Before Work Begins

Every safe job starts with a solid plan. ISTC’s new instructor-led Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Course helps supervisors, frontline leaders, and safety professionals identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement effective controls before work begins.

This course is offered every Tuesday at 8 a.m. at ISTC Beaumont.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize hazards before work begins
• Evaluate task-specific risks
• Develop effective hazard controls
• Improve communication and decision-making
• Strengthen proactive safety practices

Designed for supervisors, foremen, crew leaders, safety professionals, and anyone responsible for planning or overseeing work, this hands-on course provides practical tools that participants can apply immediately on the job.

Be Prepared When Every Second Counts:

CPR & First Aid Training at ISTC

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. When they do, having someone nearby who knows how to respond can make all the difference.

ISTC’s American Red Cross-certified CPR & First Aid Training combines instructor-led instruction with hands-on practice to prepare participants to respond confidently during medical emergencies at work and in everyday life.

Participants will learn how to:

• Perform high-quality adult CPR
• Use an AED
• Respond to choking emergencies
• Provide basic first aid for common workplace injuries
• Recognize medical emergencies and take action until help arrives

Ideal for supervisors, safety professionals, industrial workers, emergency response team members, and anyone who wants to be prepared to help when every second counts.

The best emergency response starts with someone who is prepared.

ISTC Partners with S2Verify for Background Screening Services

To provide fast, reliable, and secure background screening, ISTC has selected S2Verify as its exclusive background screening provider.

Integrated with ISTC’s LINK platform, S2Verify streamlines the screening process while helping contractors and owner companies meet site access and security requirements.

The BCG2™ Background Screening includes comprehensive identity verification and criminal history searches designed specifically for the industrial workforce. Most background checks are completed in an average of 1.12 business days, allowing employers to onboard workers quickly and efficiently.

Through this partnership, customers benefit from:

• Fast, efficient background screening
• Secure identity verification
• Comprehensive criminal history searches
• Seamless ordering through LINK
• Compliance with owner facility security requirements

ISTC remains committed to providing industry-leading workforce solutions that simplify contractor onboarding, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and compliance.

For more information about setting up a background screening account, contact the ISTC Background Department at backgrounds@istc.net.

Strong Leaders Build Safe Workplaces:

Why Frontline Supervisor Training Matters

  ISTC’s Frontline Supervisor Training is designed to help new and emerging leaders develop the practical skills needed to lead safely and effectively.

Participants learn proven techniques for:

• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership and team engagement
• Safety leadership
• Building accountability
• Leading diverse, multigenerational workforces

The course equips supervisors with tools they can immediately apply in the field, helping create stronger teams, safer job sites, and better operational performance.

Course Information

• Schedule: Second Wednesday of each month
• Cost: $227 per student
• Minimum Enrollment: Six participants

Investing in frontline leadership is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your safety culture and improve performance across your organization.

Mahjongg Night is just one of many events planned for the East Houston Women in Industry chapter. As the networking arm of Women in Industry, the chapter brings together professionals from across the industrial community to build relationships, share experiences, and support one another’s professional growth.

In addition to networking events throughout the year, the organization hosts an annual Women in Industry Week, a week-long initiative focused on inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM and industry. The initiative raises scholarship funds for graduating high school seniors while connecting students with female professionals through mentoring, career exploration, and educational programming.

With a successful first Mahjongg Night in the books, East Houston Women in Industry looks forward to continuing to grow a strong community of women who are committed to supporting one another and investing in the future workforce.

ISTC’s Safety Academy delivers instructor-led, hands-on training focused on the 12 Life-Saving Rules designed to help strengthen safety culture, improve workforce readiness, and reduce serious incidents across industry.

Built alongside leading owner partners across Southeast Texas, the Safety Academy helps prepare workers with the critical knowledge and practical skills needed in high-risk environments.

Now available at both our Beaumont and Baytown locations.

Meet Our Summer Intern:

Jamie Lyles

This summer, ISTC welcomed Jamie Lyles, a Texas A&M University student pursuing a degree in Human Resource Development with a minor in Business. A lifelong resident of Port Neches, Texas, Jamie grew up surrounded by the energy industry and was eager to learn more about the people, preparation, and safety standards behind the work that powers our region.

“I was attracted to the ISTC internship because I wanted to immerse myself in the oil and gas industry that I had always seen from the outside,” Jamie shared. “ISTC’s mission of creating a safe environment and dedication to training and certifying individuals is something I truly admire.”

During the internship, Jamie worked on updating ISTC’s job descriptions, gaining valuable experience in professional writing, attention to detail, and understanding the many roles that support the organization. The experience also provided an opportunity to learn more about Human Resources and the importance of supporting employees throughout their careers.

One of the most valuable lessons learned was the importance of active listening. “Active listening allows employees and co-workers to be open and honest and helps build trust with an HR professional,” Jamie said. “It lets employees know that you care about them.”

A highlight of the internship was the mentorship and guidance received from Carol Hebert, ISTC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, who provided hands-on learning opportunities and encouraged growth throughout the summer. “Everyone at ISTC has shown me kindness and treated me with equality and respect. They make me look forward to coming to work.”

After graduation, Jamie hopes to build a career in Human Resources within the energy industry and eventually become a Chief Human Resource Officer.

Fast Five with Jamie Lyles

• Favorite Food: Cinnamon rolls
• Favorite Music: Country
• Dream Vacation: Visiting the Egyptian pyramids
• Dream Job: Chief Human Resource Officer
• One Word to Describe Yourself: Compassionate

ISTC is proud to support the next generation of professionals and provide opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while learning more about the industries that make Southeast Texas strong.

ISTC Hits the Road with New Cook Trailer to Support the Industrial Community

At ISTC, building relationships extends beyond the classroom. Whether we’re supporting a golf tournament, hosting an appreciation event, or participating in an industry gathering, like the Spindletop BBQ Cook Off, we’re always looking for ways to connect with the people and companies we serve.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce ISTC’s new cook trailer, a mobile hospitality space designed to bring food, conversations, and partnerships wherever the industrial community gathers.

The cook trailer allows the ISTC team to participate in community and industry events in a meaningful way, serving meals while connecting with owner companies, contractors, and industry partners in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Its debut has already proven to be a success. At the Indorama Ventures: Indovinya – Port Neches Operations Golf Tournament, ISTC was honored to receive the Fan Favorite Award, a recognition voted on by tournament participants.

The award reflects what ISTC values most: creating memorable experiences and building strong relationships throughout the industrial community.

Events like these are a reminder that when industry invests in students, the impact reaches far beyond a single day.

“We’re thrilled to have been selected as the Fan Favorite,” said Michael Voivedich, ISTC Chief Operating Officer and team lead of the Safety Smokehouse. “Thank you to everyone who stopped by, connected with us, and made the day so much fun. We appreciate every opportunity to support events like these and look forward to many more.”

Preserving Our Past While Welcoming the Future

Visitors entering ISTC’s new 20,000-square-foot Badging Center will notice a state-of-the-art facility and take a walk through the rich industrial history that shaped Southeast Texas.

As part of the finishing touches on the new center, ISTC launched a unique project to preserve and showcase the region’s industrial heritage through a collection of historic photographs displayed throughout the building.

The images, sourced from Dow Sabine River Operations and the Museum of the Gulf Coast, have been professionally restored, enhanced, enlarged, and framed to create a gallery that tells the story of the people, companies, and innovations that built one of the nation’s most important energy and petrochemical regions.

The collection captures iconic moments from Southeast Texas’ industrial past from the early days of oil production and refinery construction to the hardworking men and women whose dedication helped fuel generations of economic growth. Each photograph serves as a reminder that today’s workforce stands on the shoulders of those who came before.

“We wanted our new Badging Center to reflect not only where our industry is headed, but also where it began,” said Katie Celli, Chief Communications and Development Officer. “Thousands of contractors, employees, and visitors will walk these halls each year. These photographs honor the legacy of Southeast Texas while celebrating the people who continue that legacy every day.”

The gallery creates a welcoming atmosphere for customers while reinforcing ISTC’s deep connection to the industries and communities it serves. Whether visitors recognize a familiar refinery skyline, a historic industrial landmark, or the faces of workers from another era, the photographs invite reflection on the resilience, innovation, and pride that define Southeast Texas.

The beautiful artwork on the walls is a tribute to the generations of workers whose contributions continue to inspire the future of industry in Southeast Texas.

The ISTC and GTBR Contractor Safety Awards is a premier industry event recognizing exceptional safety performance and leadership throughout Southeast Texas. Celebrate the companies and professionals whose dedication to protecting people and promoting a strong safety culture continues to make a lasting impact.

Register today to be part of this special celebration.

Join us for our next complimentary Customer Quarterly Luncheon! We’ll cover the latest news and exciting ISTC updates, and we want to hear your feedback on how we can improve.

This meeting is particularly useful for Office Admins, Schedulers, Accounting, and Safety Representatives.

Lets Connect!

Follow ISTC on LinkedIn and Facebook – Join industry leaders, safety professionals, and business owners who rely on us for updates on safety training, compliance standards, and workforce development.