Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in North Carolina
Refinery operator training programs in North Carolina provide essential skills for individuals seeking careers in the state’s energy sector.
North Carolina, home to industries reliant on refined petroleum products, offers specialized training through institutions like the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and Wake Technical Community College.
These programs focus on safety protocols, process monitoring, and equipment operation, ensuring graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in refineries and related industries.
Required Skills and Qualifications
The state has no refineries; candidates focus on terminals and process industries. Typical asks: HS/GED, mechanical and safety aptitude, ability to work rotating shifts in outdoor conditions, background/drug checks, and TWIC for secure port facilities.
Refinery Operator Training Programs
Refinery operator training programs focus on safety, system monitoring, and process control. Students learn to regulate temperature, pressure, and flow levels within operational limits. Courses also cover troubleshooting and equipment maintenance to ensure smooth refinery operations.
Students gain experience handling machinery, identifying issues, and working with teams to maintain safe production systems. These programs emphasize practical learning through simulations and hands-on training. Graduates leave with the skills needed to operate refining equipment efficiently and safely.
Top Training Institutions in North Carolina
For those interested in a career in refinery operations, consider one of the following programs:
Randolph Community College – Automation Engineering Technology (AAS)
- Address: 629 Industrial Park Ave, Asheboro, NC 27205, United States
- Tel: +1 336-633-0200
- Tuition Fee:
- In-state: $76/credit
- Out-of-state: $268/credit
Hands‑on automation training that builds the instrumentation, PLC, process control, and robotics skills used to run and maintain automated industrial systems.
Program highlights:
- Coursework spans electronics & instrumentation, PLCs, hydraulic/pneumatic control systems, actuator/sensor systems, and process control.
- Skill outcomes include creating PLC programs, troubleshooting automation systems, and maintaining industrial equipment.
- A.A.S. degree (74 SHC) with course delivery options including day, evening, online, and hybrid.
Cape Fear Community College – Nuclear Technology (AAS)
- Address: 411 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Tel: +1 910-362-7000
- Tuition Fee:
- In-state: $76/credit
- Out-of-state: $268/credit
On‑campus program that prepares reactor field technicians, combining classroom instruction with work‑based learning at a nuclear facility and pathways to entry‑level roles with electric utilities or plant maintenance contractors.
Program highlights:
- Training geared to entry‑level positions with nuclear plant maintenance contractors and electric utilities.
- Emphasis on field operations; includes an on‑the‑job learning component in a real‑world setting.
- Options to continue into a four‑year BS program or pursue opportunities in the nuclear Navy.
Piedmont Community College – Electrical Power Production Technology (AAS)
- Address: 1715 College Dr, Roxboro, NC 27573, United States
- Tel: +1 336-599-1181
- Tuition Fee:
- In-state: $76/credit
- Out-of-state: $268/credit
This program prepares entry‑level operators for modern non‑nuclear power facilities – covering systems found in coal, oil, natural gas, biomass, and solar plants.
Program highlights:
- Associate in Applied Science focused on the operation of non‑nuclear fueled power facilities.
- Study boilers, combustion equipment, steam turbines, generators, control logic, equipment maintenance, environmental control equipment, and applicable regulations.
- Employment outlook notes opportunities with electric utilities and industrial power facilities; related roles include electromechanical technician, electrical troubleshooter, and PLC programmer.
NCCentral University
This self‑paced online program builds the core skills for entry‑level refinery operator roles – safety, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting. You can start anytime and complete the training fully online through NCCU’s Ed2Go partner portal.
Tuition Fee: $2,795.00
- Format: 100% online, self‑paced; start anytime.
- Length & access: 400 hours, up to 12 months to finish.
- Credential: Certificate of Completion (noncredit).
- Key topics: safety (HAZCOM/LOTO), basic instrumentation & control, reading process drawings (P&IDs), pumps/heat exchangers, and refining fundamentals (intro, distillation, core processes).
- Who it’s for / prereqs: Beginners; HS diploma/equivalent and basic computer skills recommended.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t have to enroll in a course called “refinery operations” to build a career in this field. Many students start with broader technical programs that teach the same skills – systems control, process logic, safety, and equipment knowledge – that refineries use.
In North Carolina, you might find direct Oil Refinery Operations training programs, but you can also pursue related paths such as Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, or Safety Management. Those study routes equip you to manage systems, monitor processes, troubleshoot equipment, and uphold safe operations – skills needed for entry-level operator roles and for progressing into control room or supervisory work.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in North Carolina
Here’s a simple snapshot for Randolph Community College (RCC) in Asheboro, North Carolina. RCC is a commuter college and does not offer on‑campus housing. Randolph Community College+1
- Randolph Community College (Asheboro, NC)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$906/month (city 1‑BR average, Sept 2025). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not available (no residence halls).
Additional Cost Considerations
If you rent off campus near RCC, plan for utilities, getting to campus/work, and day‑to‑day essentials. Figures below are monthly, easy to scan, and drawn from local/state sources.
Utilities
Expect four pieces: electricity, heat (often natural gas or electric heat), water/sewer, and home internet.
- Electricity: about $128/month – North Carolina’s average residential electric bill (EIA 2023). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Heat (natural gas, if your unit uses gas): about $75–$85/month statewide benchmark. HomeGuide
- Water & sewer (City of Asheboro): the monthly minimum is $39.73 (water $15.89 + sewer $23.84) for the first 150 cu ft; usage beyond that is billed per 100 cu ft. Many leases include water/sewer – confirm before you sign. Revize
- Home internet: entry cable plans commonly ~$50/month (Spectrum Internet Premier 500 Mbps). Spectrum+1
Transport and commute costs
- Local trips (RCATS demand‑response in Asheboro/Randolph Co.): $2.00 each way inside city limits; $3.00 outside city but inside county (advance reservations required). Rcats+1
- Regional bus to Greensboro (PART Route 10: “Randolph County Express”): 31‑Day unlimited pass $80; one‑way $2.50. Stops include RCC and park‑and‑ride lots. partnc.org+1
- If you drive: North Carolina regular gas ~ $2.88/gal right now (AAA state average). AAA Fuel Prices
- Parking at RCC: parking pass required – students pick up a pass at the Welcome Center. Randolph Community College+1
Food and supplies
MIT’s county‑level benchmarks for a single adult in Randolph County (updated Feb 10, 2025) are handy planning anchors:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~$3,868/year → simple monthly plan ~$322. Living Wage Calculator
- Personal supplies & household basics (“Other”): ~$3,770/year → plan ~$314/month (we split this across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous in the budget below).
Sample monthly budget
Example for an RCC student renting a 1‑bedroom in Asheboro and using the PART 31‑Day Pass for regional trips (adjust if you primarily use RCATS or drive). Rounded for easy reading; sources are listed on each line.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $906 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $295 |
| Groceries | $322 |
| Transport costs | $80 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $110 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $140 |
| Miscellaneous | $64 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $1,917 |
Course Structure and Curriculum
Refinery operator courses cover various topics, from basic safety procedures to advanced process control. Course durations vary, with some lasting only a few hours and others extending up to 72 hours. Topics include:
- Process instrumentation
- Electrical safety
- Equipment monitoring
- Process system diagrams
Students choose between online and in-person learning. The flexible format allows individuals to complete training while managing other commitments. The mix of theory and hands-on practice prepares students for real-world refinery tasks.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria to enroll in a refinery operator program. Basic requirements include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Basic math and science knowledge
- Computer and Internet skills
Some programs may require prior work experience in related industries. Once admitted, students learn to manage system processes, communicate effectively, and follow operational guidelines.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Apprenticeships provide hands-on training with industry professionals. National Apprenticeship Week features webinars, workshops, and employer networking events, allowing students to gain real-world experience.
Apprentices meet experienced professionals, receive guidance, and build industry connections. These experiences help students develop practical skills while improving job prospects.
Job Placement Support
Many training programs include job placement assistance. Career advisors help students with resume writing, interview preparation, and job applications. Schools also connect students with potential employers in the oil refinery sector.
Workshops and networking events offer opportunities to interact with industry experts. These connections help graduates secure stable, well-paying jobs in refinery operations.
North Carolina is projected to experience moderate growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. With steady annual openings, the state offers consistent opportunities for both new and experienced workers.
- Employment (2022): 430 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 450 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 5%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 40
Refinery Operator Salaries in North Carolina
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| North Carolina | $34.66 | $72,090 | $23.78 | $30.33 | $42.89 | $45.50 |
Job Listings for Refinery Operators and Other Related Fields in North Carolina
North Carolina openings span Wilmington/Port of NC, the Research Triangle (pharma/chem), and Charlotte–Gastonia power and manufacturing hubs, with added demand around Fayetteville and coastal utilities. Not every posting is a refinery-operator role – or even on a refinery track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation in terminals, power plants, pharma, and water/wastewater. Expect day and rotating shifts, with some port roles requiring a TWIC.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Nuclear Millwright Superintendent | EnergySolutions Services Inc | Charlotte, NC | 09/24/2025 |
| Plant Controller | Amcor | Youngsville, NC | 09/23/2025 |
| Downstream Process Engineer | Amgen | Holly Springs, NC | 09/22/2025 |
| Controls Technician | Saint-Gobain | Oxford, NC | 09/18/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org.
Benefits of Becoming a Refinery Operator
Refinery operators enjoy job stability, competitive salaries, and career advancement opportunities. As experienced workers retire and new technology emerges, demand for skilled operators remains high.
Operators monitor equipment, detect irregularities, and implement solutions to maintain production efficiency. The role offers both financial rewards and engaging problem-solving challenges.
Real-World Skills and Hands-On Training
Training programs provide practical experience in refinery operations. Students learn to adjust system settings, manage temperature and pressure levels, and follow safety regulations.
Operators must quickly identify and resolve issues to keep production running smoothly. Hands-on training ensures students develop the skills needed for these responsibilities.
Enrollment Process and Dates
Enrollment is simple; students typically have up to a year to complete their training. After registration, students receive course materials within 24-48 hours and can begin studying immediately.
Programs offer both online and in-person options to accommodate different learning preferences. Self-paced learning allows students to choose a completion timeline that fits their schedule.
Refinery operator training programs in North Carolina provide the knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in the oil industry. These programs offer hands-on training, job placement support, and flexible learning options.
With high demand for refinery operators, now is an excellent time to start training. Enrolling in a program sets you on a stable, well-paying career in energy operations.