Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Illinois for 2025

Are you looking for refinery operator training programs in Illinois? With major refineries such as Wood River, Joliet, Robinson, and Lemont, Illinois is a key player in the U.S. refining industry.

The state offers various training programs to prepare individuals for careers in refining operations. These programs provide hands-on experience and online learning options to help students gain the skills needed for entry-level positions in the energy sector.

Refinery Operator Training Programs in Illinois

Illinois offers a variety of refinery operator training programs. These include hands-on courses and flexible online options that prepare students for entry-level jobs in the energy sector. Key topics covered in these programs include:

Process control
Safety protocols
Basic instrumentation

These skills are essential for refinery operations and workplace safety. Many programs partner with local refineries to provide real-world experience, increasing job readiness.

Comprehensive Oil Refinery Operations Courses

Illinois has several courses designed to prepare individuals for refinery operations. These programs combine classroom learning with practical training.

Lewis & Clark Community College

Address: 5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035, United States
Tel: +1 618-468-7000

Lewis & Clark’s Process Operations Technology (PTEC) offers hands-on training in equipment critical to refinery and process plant operations—such as furnaces, distillation columns, heat exchangers, and steam systems. Developed with input from industry leaders like Phillips 66 and aligned with national standards, this program positions graduates for strong job placement as process operations technicians.

Program Highlights

Credentials Offered:
- Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Petroleum, Bioprocess, or Biochemical Process Technology
- Certificate of Proficiency (CP) in Process Operations Technology (PTEC)
- Certificate of Completion (CC) in Bioprocess

Online Course Options

Online refinery courses offer flexibility for students with busy schedules. These self-paced programs cover refinery processes and typically take up to a year to complete. Online students gain access to instructional materials that help them understand refinery operations, even without prior industry experience.

Illinois Valley Community College (via ed2go)

Address: 815 N Orlando Smith St, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
Tel: +1 815-224-2720

The Oil Refinery Operations course—powered by ed2go and offered through IVCC—is a fully online, self-paced training program (~400 hours) designed to equip learners with the core competencies required for entry-level refinery operator roles.

Program Highlights

Delivery Format: 100% online and self-paced
Credential Awarded: Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Key Topics Covered:
- Refinery fundamentals: distillation, pumps, heat exchangers
- Safety protocols: lockout/tagout, hazard communication
- Process instrumentation and control systems
- Troubleshooting, system monitoring, and SOP adherence

This course provides the foundational knowledge that employers seek in refinery operations and is accessible to learners across Illinois.

Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools

Lewis & Clark Community College (L&C) is a commuter college in Godfrey, Illinois (Metro‑East St. Louis). Students typically rent in Godfrey or nearby Alton; a purpose‑built student community (Trailblazer Commons) sits next to campus.

Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey, IL)
- Off‑campus (Godfrey): about $939/month average apartment rent.
- Also nearby (Alton): about $872/month average apartment rent.
- Near‑campus student apartments (Trailblazer Commons, next to L&C): shared bedroom $465–$550/person/month; private bedroom $645–$770/person/month; 2BR private $745–$890/person/month (water, sewer, trash, cable & Wi‑Fi included).

Additional Cost Considerations

If you live off campus around Godfrey/Alton, your ongoing costs are mainly utilities, getting to campus, and day‑to‑day essentials. Figures below are simple monthly benchmarks from local/state sources.

Utilities

Plan for four pieces: electric, heat (natural gas), water/sewer, and internet.

Electricity: about $122.63/month (Illinois average residential bill).
Natural gas (heat/cooking): about $83/month statewide average bill.
Water & sewer (Godfrey/Alton area): local HUD utility allowance for Illinois American Water (water) ~ $64/month and Godfrey sewer ~ $36/month for a small unit; trash service is often ~$30/month if billed separately.
Internet: entry plans commonly ~$55/month (AT&T Fiber/Internet 300 or Xfinity 300 Mbps five‑year price guarantee).

Transport and Commute Costs

Bus (Madison County Transit – MCT): Local Monthly Pass $40 (System‑wide monthly $70).
Parking at L&C (Godfrey): first vehicle tag is free (no monthly permit cost).
If you drive: current East St. Louis‑area gas averages ~$3.29/gal (closest AAA region to Godfrey).

Food and Supplies

Groceries: ~$340/month for one adult in Madison County.
Personal supplies & toiletries / other basics: MIT “Other” necessities benchmark ~$343/month for one adult; in the budget below this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous for simpler planning.

Sample Monthly Budget

Here’s an example for an L&C student living off campus in Godfrey and using an MCT Local Monthly Pass. Be sure to adjust these values accordingly.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Off campus rent	$939
Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet)	$360
Groceries	$340
Transport costs	$40
Personal supplies and toiletries	$120
Dining out and entertainment	$140
Miscellaneous	$83
Total estimated monthly cost	$2,022

Key Components of Refinery Operator Training

Refinery training focuses on essential skills such as:

Process control
Equipment handling
Safety compliance

Process Instrumentation

Process instrumentation includes sensors and transmitters that monitor and control parameters like pressure, temperature, and flow. These tools help maintain stable and efficient refinery operations.

Electrical Safety

Refinery workers must follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Regular inspections and protective gear reduce risks and ensure a safe work environment.

Pumps and Valves

Industrial pumps and valves regulate fluid movement and pressure in refinery systems. Operators must understand how to manage these components to ensure smooth operations.

Entry-Level Job Opportunities

Completing a refinery training program improves job prospects. As experienced workers retire, demand for trained refinery operators in Illinois continues to grow.

Job Market Overview

The energy sector needs new workers to meet rising demands. Training programs offer networking, internships, and job placement services, which can benefit job seekers.

Illinois shows a modest increase in refinery operator employment, with projections rising slightly over the next decade. Although growth is limited, steady annual job openings ensure reliable opportunities for those pursuing or advancing in this career.

Employment (2022): 550 employees
Projected employment (2032): 560 employees
Projected growth (2022–2032): 2%
Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 50

Workforce Development Boards

Workforce development boards connect job seekers with employers in the refining industry. These organizations offer career training, job placement assistance, and resume-building workshops.

Refinery Operator Salaries in Illinois

Area	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean annual wage	Hourly wage 10th percentile	Hourly wage 25th percentile	Hourly wage 75th percentile	Hourly wage 90th percentile
Illinois	$47.23	$98,240	$46.59	$46.59	$51.13	$51.14
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$51.13	$106,360	$40.48	$47.88	$51.14	$51.14

Refinery Operator Internships in Illinois

Operator‑adjacent internships in refining settings often pair students with operations/technical mentors, with field time on units and an end‑of‑term presentation.

Phillips 66 offers an 11-week, fulltime summer internship within their Refining operations, including orientation, training events, an assigned mentor, and an end‑of‑summer presentation to leaders.

Instructor Expertise and Student Support

Experienced Instructors

Refinery training programs employ experienced instructors who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom. They stay updated on industry trends and provide valuable insights.

Student Advising

Advisors help students navigate coursework and career planning. They work alongside instructors to ensure students receive the guidance needed for success.

Platform Support

Students can access course support through email, phone, and live chat. These resources provide quick assistance for coursework-related questions.

Refinery Safety Training

Safety is a priority in refinery operations. Training programs cover industry standards, accident prevention, and emergency response.

Personnel Safety

Safety programs emphasize worker protection. Regular drills and personal protective equipment reduce the risk of accidents.

Occupational Safety Councils

Safety councils develop regulations and oversee compliance. They also provide ongoing safety education to refinery workers.

Process System Maintenance

Regular maintenance of refinery systems prevents malfunctions and ensures safe operations. Process instrumentation helps monitor performance and detect potential issues early.

Career Growth and Management Roles

Starting as a refinery operator can lead to advanced roles in management. Continuous education and certifications improve career advancement opportunities.

Advancing to Management

Moving into senior roles requires experience and ongoing training. Leadership programs help workers develop skills needed for management positions.

Renewable Energy Opportunities

Refinery operators can transition into renewable energy roles. Many refineries are expanding into alternative energy, creating new job opportunities.

Financial Aid and Enrollment

Federal Aid

Students can complete the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid counselors assist with the application process.

Enrollment Assistance

Enrollment specialists help students complete registration and understand program requirements.

Choosing a Completion Date

Students should select a completion date that aligns with their schedules and career goals.

Major Refineries in Illinois

Illinois has several key petroleum refineries that are significant in energy production. Many training programs collaborate with these refineries to offer hands-on learning experiences.

Notable Refineries

Wood River Refinery (Roxana) – Operated by WRB Refining LP (Phillips 66/Cenovus), with a capacity of 336,000 daily barrels.
Joliet Refinery (Joliet) – Operated by ExxonMobil, processing 238,600 barrels per day.
Robinson Refinery (Robinson) – Managed by Marathon Petroleum Company, handling 253,000 daily barrels.
Lemont Refinery (Lemont) – Operated by Citgo, refining 175,940 barrels per day.

Refinery Partnerships

Training programs partner with refineries to provide students with practical experience. These partnerships help ensure job readiness.

Natural Gas Facilities

Illinois has significant natural gas operations that complement refinery processes. Training programs often include natural gas system education.

Illinois offers excellent opportunities for refinery operator training. Programs cover essential skills, provide strong support systems, and partner with local refineries to ensure job readiness.

With the growing demand for skilled refinery operators, now is a great time to pursue training and start a career in the energy industry. Explore available programs and take the first step toward a stable and rewarding career.