Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Kentucky for 2025

Kentucky has several refinery operator training programs to prepare students for careers in the state’s growing energy sector. The state has two primary refineries that provide employment opportunities and drive the local economy:

Catlettsburg Refinery – Owned by Marathon Petroleum Corporation, this refinery has a refining capacity of 300,000 barrels per calendar day. It processes sweet and sour crude oils, producing gasoline, distillates, asphalt, natural gas liquids, and petrochemicals.
Somerset Refinery—Operated by Continental Refining Company, this refinery focuses on producing high-quality petroleum products and has a refining capacity of approximately 5,500 barrels per day.

With these major refineries in Catlettsburg and Somerset, training programs focus on the skills needed for local job opportunities. Institutions like Ashland Community and Technical College and Jefferson Community and Technical College provide industry-aligned courses that meet Kentucky’s workforce demands.

These programs offer hands-on training, safety instruction, and process control education to equip graduates with the qualifications needed for regional refinery jobs.

Overview of Refinery Operator Courses in Kentucky

Kentucky offers oil refinery training programs that provide essential knowledge and practical skills. These courses cover refinery processes, safety procedures, and environmental regulations. Many institutions partner with industry leaders to ensure training meets job market needs.

Key Training Institutions

Several colleges in Kentucky offer refinery training, including:

Ashland Community and Technical College

Address: 1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY 41101, United States
Tel: +1 606-326-2000

The Chemical/Refinery Operator Certificate at ACTC prepares students for entry-level positions in the chemical and petroleum refining industries. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on lab training, students learn to safely monitor, control, and troubleshoot industrial processes using modern equipment and systems.

Program Highlights

Credential Earned: Certificate in Chemical/Refinery Operations
Location: In-person at ACTC’s Technology Drive Campus
Program Length: Approximately 31 credit hours
Delivery: Technical courses combined with general education as part of the Applied Process Technologies A.A.S. track
Key Topics Covered:
- Process equipment fundamentals
- Instrumentation and control systems
- Chemical safety and OSHA compliance
- Applied chemistry and process troubleshooting
- Rotating, stationary, and reciprocating machinery operation
Pathway Option: Credits earned can be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Applied Process Technologies

Jefferson Community and Technical College

Address: 109 E Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Tel: +1 502-213-5333

At Jefferson Community & Technical College, the Chemical/Refinery Operator Certificate equips students with the technical know-how and hands-on skills to operate and monitor refinery and chemical plant systems. This credential—typically completed in 31 credits—forms a practical launching pad for careers in industrial operations, blending both theoretical grounding and equipment-focused training.

Program Highlights

Delivered At: Jefferson Community & Technical College (also offered at Ashland and Hopkinsville campuses)
Credential: Certificate in Chemical/Refinery Operations (~31 credit hours)
Core Courses Include:
- SFA 101 – OSHA, Health & Environmental Safety (3 cr)
- COM 252 – Intro to Interpersonal Communication (3 cr)
- CHEM – Intro Chemistry + Lab (4 cr)
- APT 102 – Process Fundamentals (4 cr)
- APT 104 – Rotating & Reciprocating Equipment (3 cr)
- APT 108 – Stationary Equipment (2 cr)
- APT 142 – Instrumentation (4 cr)
- APT 144 – Process Operations (4 cr)
- APT 146 – Process Applications (2 cr)
- EES 101 – Basic Electronics (2 cr)

Eastern Kentucky University

Address: 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY 40475, United States
Tel: +1 859-622-1000

EKU provides a fully online, self‑paced Oil Refinery Operations course designed to equip learners with the foundational knowledge needed for entry-level roles in refinery operations across the U.S. Topics include process fundamentals, safety, instrumentation, and control systems.

Program Highlights

Format: 100% online and self‑paced (~400 course hours)
Credential: Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Key Topics:
- Refinery systems fundamentals (e.g. distillation, pumps, heat exchangers)
- Safety procedures such as lockout/tagout and hazard communication
- Process instrumentation and control loops
- Troubleshooting and operational SOP usage

Course Structure and Curriculum

Kentucky refinery operator courses cover:

Petroleum Refining Basics – Understanding refining processes
Process Instrumentation – Monitoring and controlling equipment
Safety and Environmental Training – Learning safety protocols and regulations
System Process Variables – Managing refinery operations

Most programs require about 31 credit hours and can be completed in a few months to a year, depending on the student’s schedule.

Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Kentucky

Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) is a commuter college in Ashland, Kentucky—students typically live off‑campus in the Ashland/Catlettsburg/Huntington area. Below is what you should budget for housing near campus.

Ashland Community & Technical College (Ashland, KY) — Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$682/month**. Market trend for a 1BR in Ashland as of September 2025.

Additional Cost Considerations

Most ACTC students rent apartments and pay their own utilities. Here are typical monthly costs in the Ashland area to help you build a realistic budget.

Utilities

Plan for these common items if they’re not included in rent.

Electricity: ~$126/month — Kentucky’s average residential electric bill (2023).
Natural gas (heat/cooking): ~$75/month — example “typical residential customer” bill cited by LG&E/KU for Kentucky. Actual bills vary by provider and seasonal use.
Water: City of Ashland’s 2025 water rates include a monthly administrative/billing charge of $9.04 plus tiered per‑1,000‑gallon usage (inside city). For a small apartment, many renters see about $25–$35/month depending on usage.
Sewer: City of Ashland’s 2025 sewer rate (inside city) is $11.70 per 1,000 gallons (includes standard rate + EPA CSO charge). A modest‑use apartment often runs about $35–$45/month.
Internet: Entry plans are commonly $50–$55/month (e.g., Spectrum Internet or AT&T Fiber 300, where available).

Transport and commute costs

Getting to ACTC’s campuses is straightforward; most students either ride the city bus or drive.

Ashland Bus System monthly pass: $30.
If you drive:
- Gasoline (Huntington–Ashland region current avg): about $2.88/gal (regular).
- Parking at ACTC: no permit required; student lots are first‑come, first‑served (tickets only for violations).
- Car insurance (statewide reference): ~$132/month for full coverage on average in Kentucky; minimum‑coverage options are cheaper but cover less.

Food and supplies

Groceries (one adult): ~$310/month — MIT Living Wage “Food” for Boyd County (updated Feb. 10, 2025).
Personal supplies & household items (“Other” in MIT): ~$314/month — covers toiletries, cleaning supplies, clothing, cell phone, etc., for Boyd County.

Sample Monthly Budget

Here’s a simple example for a single student renting a 1‑bedroom near ACTC, using the bus for commuting. (Adjust if you drive and/or share housing.)

Expense category	Estimated monthly cost
Off‑campus rent	$682 (Ashland 1BR avg, Sept 2025)
Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet)	$330
Groceries	$310
Transport costs	$30
Personal supplies & toiletries	$120
Dining out & entertainment	$140
Miscellaneous	$54
Total estimated monthly cost	$1,666

Practical Training and Boot Camps

Hands-on experience is a core part of refinery training. Boot camps provide intensive learning sessions where students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Enrollment dates for boot camps vary, so prospective students should check with institutions for availability.

Job Prospects for Refinery Operators

Graduates of refinery training programs can apply for various entry-level positions, including:

Refinery Operator
Maintenance Technician
Process Technician
Operations Helper
Safety Technician

Kentucky is projected to experience a small decline in refinery operator employment over the next decade. However, annual openings will remain steady, mainly due to retirements and workforce turnover.

Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 20
Employment (2022): 290 employees
Projected employment (2032): 280 employees
Projected growth (2022–2032): -3%

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Refinery work involves strict safety and environmental regulations. Training programs emphasize:

Fire Prevention and Emergency Response
Electrical Safety and Equipment Handling
Hazardous Waste Management

Understanding and following these standards is crucial for refinery operators.

Advanced Training and Career Growth

Experienced refinery operators can pursue advanced training to qualify for senior roles. Specialized certifications and leadership training programs help operators move into management positions.

Refinery Operator Salaries in Kentucky

Area	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean annual wage	Hourly wage 10th percentile	Hourly wage 25th percentile	Hourly wage 75th percentile	Hourly wage 90th percentile
Kentucky	$38.48	$80,050	$23.04	$28.02	$49.22	$50.00
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH	$38.78	$80,660	$23.08	$28.02	$49.22	$49.23

Support Services for Students

Refinery training programs in Kentucky offer:

Academic Advising – Guidance on course selection and career planning
Enrollment Support – Assistance with applications and financial aid
Career Services – Job search help, resume workshops and networking opportunities

Start Your Refinery Operator Career

Kentucky provides some of the best refinery operator training programs in the country. These courses offer hands-on learning, industry-relevant knowledge, and strong job placement support. If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career in the oil refining industry, consider enrolling in a Kentucky refinery operator training program today.