Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Minnesota
Refinery operator training programs in Minnesota equip students with essential safety, process monitoring, and equipment handling skills. These programs help meet the demand for workers as the state’s energy sector expands, offering stable career opportunities with competitive salaries.
Minnesota is home to major refineries, such as the Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount and the St. Paul Park Refinery, which require skilled operators to manage daily operations.
Refinery Operator Training in Minnesota
Minnesota’s training programs focus on safety and operational efficiency. These courses prepare students for entry-level jobs in the energy sector.
The demonstration’s refinery operators are growing due to retirements. Competitive salaries and new energy projects, such as the Sustainable AviatioMinnesota, create job opportunities.
Enrollment specialists help students choose training programs by explaining requirements and available options.
Refinery Operator Training in Minnesota
Lake Superior College — Electronic Engineering Technology
- Address: 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811, United States
- Tel: +1 218-733-7600
Lake Superior College offers an on‑campus AAS program that builds the electronic and controls skills used to run complex industrial plants—including facilities that produce power and petrochemicals—grounded in circuit theory and hands‑on controls practice.
Program highlights:
- Format: On‑campus AAS, 72 credits, designed for completion in 2 years.
- Core skills: Read schematics, perform circuit analysis, troubleshoot and repair circuits, and use professional test equipment.
- Controls training: Install, program, and troubleshoot PLCs; work with AC/DC motors and control hardware.
- Industry relevance: Prepares for technician roles supporting the “heart of plant” operations in sectors such as power and petrochemicals.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College — Instrumentation & Process Control
- Address: 1540 Northway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56303, United States
- Tel: +1 800-222-1009
A 60‑credit AAS program focused on instrumentation measurement, industrial control systems, automated systems, and process control—skills directly applied in plant operations and maintenance.
Program highlights:
- Award: AAS, 60 credits (Instrumentation & Process Control).
- Technical coverage: Instrumentation measurement, industrial control systems, automated systems, process control, plant equipment maintenance, embedded microcontrollers, and data acquisition.
- Hands‑on outcomes: Maintain/repair electro‑mechanical equipment; construct/test digital & analog circuits; troubleshoot open/closed‑loop processes with precision calibration equipment.
Key Refineries in Minnesota
Minnesota’s refineries play a critical role in the energy sector. Many workers are retiring, creating new job openings for trained operators.
Pine Bend Refinery
Located in Rosemount, the Pine Bend Refinery is Minnesota’s largest, with a capacity of 335,000 barrels per day. It produces most of Mindnesota’s transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The refinery employs over 1,000 full-time workers and has reduced emissions by 70% since 2000 while increasing production.
St. PaMinnesota’sinery
Situated along the Mississippi River in St. Paul Park, this refinery has states of 105,000 barrels per day. It processes various crudes to manufacture gasoline, distillates, asphalt, propane, heavy fuel oil, natural gas liquids, and petrochemicals. Products are delivered by truck, rail, and barge.
These refineries contribute significantly to Minnesota’s economy and provide stable job opportunities for skilled refinery operators.
Enrollment Assistance
Choosing the right training program can be challenging. Enrollment specialists help students understand program details, course formats, and financial aid options.
They provide guMinnesota’sourse content, funding assistance, and career paths. Their expertise helps students make informed decisions about their education and future employment.
Online Power Plant Operations Courses
Online courses in power plant operations offer flexible learning options. These courses cover boiler systems and steam generation, essential for power plant and refinery operators.
Upon completion, students receive a certificate that strengthens their job prospects. This certification demonstrates their knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Online courses provide an accessible way for individuals to enter or advance in the industry.
Apprenticeship Week Events
National Apprenticeship Week offers opportunities to connect with employers through webinars and workshops. These events highlight apprenticeship programs that lead to refinery jobs.
Students can attend virtual events this week to learn about industry expectations. Engaging with employers helps students understand job requirements and available career paths.
Participation in these events increases the chances of securing apprenticeships, which can lead to long-term employment.
Virtual Apprenticeship Opportunities
Virtual apprenticeship events connect students with job opportunities through webinars and workshops. These sessions provide industry insights and essential job search skills.
These events allow students to network with employers and explore job openings. Attending virtual events helps job seekers gain an advantage in the hiring process.
Safety in Refinery Training
Safety is the top priority in refinery training programs. Students learn to maintain safe working conditions and communicate effectively with team members.
Trainees practice monitoring system variables and responding to operational issues. They also learn to use advanced safety technology to prevent accidents.
A strong focus on safety ensures graduates can work efficiently while maintaining workplace security.
Course Structure and Requirements
Refinery operator training programs have precise requirements. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic computer skills.
The program consists of 400 hours of training over 12 months. Students can complete the coursework at their own pace, and all course materials are provided for easy reference.
Enrollment specialists assist with registration, financial aid, and course details, ensuring a smooth enrollment process.
Workforce Development Support
Workforce development boards connect training programs with industry needs. They help workers access job readiness programs for refinery operations.
These boards ensure training includes safety protocols and operational standards. Their support creates a skilled workforce prepared for refinery jobs.
Refinery Operator Salaries in Minnesota
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Minnesota | $47.46 | $98,720 | $35.79 | $47.46 | $59.92 | $61.04 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $47.46 | $98,720 | $36.86 | $47.46 | $59.92 | $61.04 |
Job Market and Employment Outlook
Minnesota is expected to see a modest decline in refinery operator employment over the next decade. While overall job numbers are projected to decrease slightly, steady annual openings will continue to create opportunities, mostly through retirements and workforce turnover.
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 50
- Employment (2022): 590 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 560 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): -5%