How do you keep our ecosystems safe and protect public health? You hire an alumnus from Southwestern College’s Environmental Hazardous Materials Technology (EHMT) program! For Oscar Gomez, EHMT created an opportunity he hadn’t considered before and shared his journey from student to industry professional, highlighting the invaluable experiences and skills gained through the program. He emphasized its impact on his successful career in occupational safety and environmental management.
Reflecting on his personal and professional growth, Gomez attributed much of his success to the EHMT program at SWC. He praised the program for providing him with the necessary skills and insights in occupational safety and environmental management.
“I owe my career success to the Environmental Hazardous Materials Technology program at Southwestern College,” he stated, “It was thanks to this program that I learned everything that I needed, in terms of occupational safety and environmental management, to hit the ground running at my first job in the field.”
Gomez emphasized the program’s hands-on approach, citing a project where students identified and inventoried confined spaces across SWC campuses. Operating gas monitoring equipment and determining space classifications, Gomez noted that this practical experience not only solidified theoretical knowledge but also proved to be instrumental in his subsequent role, leading to the drafting of the Confined Spaces Program for SWC.
He shared, “The incorporation of these projects into our curriculum not only tied in theory with practice but also provided us with invaluable skills and knowledge that were very useful and valuable for the private sector.”
The EHMT program includes degrees and certificates in Environmental Management and Occupational Health and Safety. This enables graduates to work as environmental and safety technicians or managers.
According to the EHMT Program Coordinator, Marie Vicario, “This is an excellent career path for individuals who have an interest in learning how to protect people and ecosystems from exposures to potentially harmful agents. If you care about the health of people and the environment, whether it be at workplaces or around your community, this career path is valuable for all who want to ensure having clean water, air and land.”
The EHMT Program offers nearly all classes in a fully online format to support working professionals and give students as much flexibility as needed. The Program provides a transfer pathway that allows all courses earned to obtain an Associates Degree and become transferable to Missouri Southern State University’s 4-year Bachelors degree programs in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), which are also fully online.
The EHMT program’s versatility stood out as Gomez discussed its role in preparing students to be EHS generalists. This well-rounded education enables graduates to navigate various aspects of the environmental sector, making them valuable assets to businesses that may have budget constraints.
“The program equips you to be an EHS generalist, which I personally find to be most valuable for small businesses that only have the budget to hire a single safety coordinator or manager,” Gomez highlighted.
Offering advice to current and prospective students, Gomez described the program as a hidden gem at SWC. He encourages students to take advantage of internship and work experience opportunities to develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience.
Not only does this enrich student’s learning but also enhances their resumes, increasing their chances of securing entry-level positions in the environmental health and safety sector.
Oscar Gomez’s journey from student to Health & Public Safety instructor serves as a testament to the Environmental Hazardous Materials Technology program’s effectiveness in preparing individuals for successful careers in the dynamic field of environmental health and safety.
To find out more about our Environmental Hazardous Materials Technology Program, please contact Marie Vicario-Fisher at mvicario@swccd.edu.
