Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Indiana: Get Certified Today

Indiana is home to major refineries, including the BP Whiting Refinery, the largest in the Midwest. The state strongly demands skilled operators to support its refining industry.

Refinery operator training programs in Indiana provide the technical skills and hands-on experience needed to secure jobs in this growing field. This guide covers the best programs, their benefits, and how to enroll.

Major Refineries in Indiana

Indiana has several petroleum refineries that contribute to the state’s economy and energy sector. The BP Whiting Refinery, located in Whiting, is the largest refinery in the Midwest and one of the largest in the United States, processing over 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily. The CountryMark Refinery in Mount Vernon specializes in refining fuels for agricultural and rural markets.

Additionally, the Calumet Specialty Products refinery in Indianapolis focuses on producing high-quality lubricants, waxes, and other specialty petroleum products. These refineries create job opportunities for trained professionals, increasing Indiana’s demand for skilled operators.

Ivy Tech

• Address: 50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States
• Tel: +1 888-489-5463

Ivy Tech offers a Process Operations Technology Technical Certificate (also referred to as “PTech”), a streamlined credential aimed at quickly equipping students with industrial process controls, safety, and technical troubleshooting skills—perfect for launching a career as a process or refinery operations technician.

Program Highlights

• Program Type: Technical Certificate (TC), also known as “PTech”
• Credits: Approximately 34 credits designed for completion in a compact timeframe
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Core process operations fundamentals and controls
  • Instrumentation, fluid systems, safety compliance, and operator troubleshooting
• Format: Delivered through Ivy Tech’s Applied Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing programs

Vincennes University’s Power Plant Operator Training

• Address: 1002 N 1st St, Vincennes, IN 47591, United States
• Tel: +1 812-888-8888

The Powerplant Add-on Certificate prepares students—already holding an FAA Airframe Technician rating—to obtain the Powerplant Technician rating, qualifying them for full Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification. This is an in-person program that blends classroom instruction and extensive hands-on lab training, as required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

Program Highlights

• FAA-approved Powerplant Add-on Certificate for students already holding an Airframe rating
• Includes 1,150 hours of training, with a focus on:
  • General aviation maintenance principles
  • Powerplant-specific systems (turbine, piston, ignition, lubrication, fuel, and propellers)
• Hands-on instruction with real engines and lab equipment at the Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis
• Meets FAA Part 147 requirements for powerplant certification
• Can be completed in as little as 12 months

Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools

Here’s a brief example of what your average costs might look like if you attend Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana). Ivy Tech is a commuter college and does not operate residence halls, so students rent off campus near their campus of enrollment.

• Ivy Tech—Indianapolis (Marion County): ~$1,117/month (1‑BR).
• Ivy Tech—Fort Wayne: ~$961/month (1‑BR).
• Ivy Tech—Bloomington: ~$1,130/month (1‑BR).
• Ivy Tech—Lafayette (Tippecanoe Co.): ~$1,025/month (1‑BR).
• Ivy Tech—Evansville: ~$860/month (1‑BR).
• Ivy Tech—South Bend/Elkhart: ~$1,181/month (1‑BR).

Additional Cost Considerations

Below are straightforward monthly figures Indiana students commonly plan for when renting off campus. Always check your lease for any utilities that are already included.

Utilities

A practical bundle for a small apartment in Indiana:

• Electricity: about $150/month (statewide average bill at ~1,000 kWh, July 1, 2025).
• Natural gas (heat/cooking): about $64/month (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission survey—industry average example bill, Feb 2025).
• Water: about $36.79/month in Indianapolis for a typical 4,000‑gal bill (Citizens Water; IURC 2025 analysis).
• Sewer: monthly minimum $46.84 in Indianapolis (Citizens wastewater tariff, effective Jan 1, 2025).
• Internet: about $55/month for entry plans (e.g., AT&T Fiber 300 $55; Xfinity five‑year price‑lock plans starting at $55).

Transport and Commute Costs

Choose the city that matches your campus:

• Indianapolis (IndyGo): 31‑Day Pass $60.
• Fort Wayne (Citilink): 31‑Day Pass $54 (effective after Apr 1, 2025).
• Bloomington Transit: Monthly fare cap $30 via Umo (no traditional monthly pass).
• Lafayette/West Lafayette (CityBus): 31‑Day Pass $28.
• If you drive: Indiana gas ~ $3.17/gal (AAA state average, mid‑Sept 2025). Full‑coverage auto insurance ~ $131/month on average (varies by driver).

Food and Supplies

MIT’s county‑level benchmarks for a single adult (easy monthly figures):

• Groceries (“Food”), Marion County (Indianapolis): ~$326/month (from $3,914/yr).
• Personal supplies/toiletries & other basics (“Other”), Marion County: ~$343/month (we split this across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous in the budget below to keep things simple).

Sample Monthly Budget

Here’s an example for an Ivy Tech–Indianapolis student renting a 1‑bedroom off campus and using an IndyGo 31‑Day Pass. Be sure to adjust these figures accordingly.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Off campus rent	$1,117
Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet)	$350
Groceries	$326
Transport costs	$60
Personal supplies and toiletries	$120
Dining out and entertainment	$150
Miscellaneous	$73
Total estimated monthly cost	$2,196

National Apprenticeship Week Events

National Apprenticeship Week features events that connect students with industry professionals. Webinars, workshops, and employer networking sessions provide insights into career opportunities. These events help participants understand the benefits of apprenticeships and how they can lead to refinery careers.

Enrolled students receive invitations to exclusive networking opportunities. These events allow them to build connections with potential employers and industry leaders.

Refinery Operator Internships in Indiana

Refinery internships commonly place students on technically challenging, operations‑support projects while reinforcing safety culture.

bp – U.S. Intern & Co‑op Program (Whiting Refinery). bp’s U.S. internship program is a paid 12‑week summer experience.

Measuring Program Impact

Refinery operator training programs in Indiana have a strong track record of placing graduates in well-paying jobs. Ivy Tech’s PTech graduates frequently secure roles at major refineries. Many have advanced to senior management positions, highlighting this field’s long-term career growth opportunities.

Workforce Development Boards

Workforce development boards work with training programs to align courses with industry needs. They help ensure graduates have the skills for available jobs, track employment trends, and provide insights into labor market demands.

Job Market Analysis

Indiana has a high demand for refinery operators. Many Ivy Tech and Vincennes University graduates secure entry-level jobs at refineries such as the Whiting Refinery. These roles provide stable employment, career growth, and competitive salaries.

Indiana’s refinery operator employment is expected to remain stable over the next decade, showing no growth or decline. Despite this, steady annual openings will continue to provide opportunities as experienced workers retire or move on.

• Employment (2022): 310 employees
• Projected employment (2032): 310 employees
• Projected growth (2022–2032): 0%
• Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 30

Success Stories from Graduates

Graduates from these programs consistently find employment in refineries and power plants. Some have advanced from entry-level roles to senior management positions. Their success highlights the effectiveness of these training programs in preparing students for long-term careers.

Entry-Level Employment

Indiana refineries regularly seek new operators. These positions offer stable work and competitive wages. Training program graduates have the necessary skills to start their careers immediately.

Indiana’s refinery operator employment is expected to remain stable over the next decade, showing no growth or decline. Despite this, steady annual openings will continue to provide opportunities as experienced workers retire or move on.

• Employment (2022): 310 employees
• Projected employment (2032): 310 employees
• Projected growth (2022–2032): 0%
• Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 30

Refinery Operator Salaries in Indiana

Area	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean annual wage	Hourly wage 10th percentile	Hourly wage 25th percentile	Hourly wage 75th percentile	Hourly wage 90th percentile
Indiana	$37.23	$77,450	$19.63	$25.36	$46.39	$49.43
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$51.13	$106,360	$40.48	$47.88	$51.14	$51.14
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN	$24.22	$50,380	$19.63	$19.63	$39.59	$43.75
Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area	$33.05	$68,740	$25.36	$27.89	$46.39	$49.43

Senior Management Positions

Many program graduates progress to senior management. Training programs provide the foundation for long-term career growth, equipping students with leadership skills and industry expertise.

Ivy Tech and Vincennes University offer strong training programs for refinery operators. These programs provide hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge, and graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment and future career advancement.

If you want to start a career in the refinery industry, enrolling in one of these programs is a significant first step. Get certified today and begin your journey toward a successful career.