Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Tennessee
Refinery operator training programs in Tennessee provide essential skills for work at local oil refineries. The state has one operating petroleum refinery located in Memphis.
This facility refines about 180,000 barrels of crude oil daily, accounting for roughly 1% of U.S. refining capacity. The refinery receives crude oil from the Diamond Pipeline, which transports oil from Cushing, Oklahoma. With many experienced operators retiring, these training programs prepare new talent to meet the industry’s needs.
Refinery Operator Training Programs
Tennessee faces a growing need for new refinery operators as older workers retire. Training programs offer courses that teach safety procedures, equipment handling, and process control. Students earn a certificate upon completion, which helps them secure entry-level jobs in local refineries and related sectors.
Chattanooga State Community College — Chemical Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
- Address: 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406, United States
- Tel: +1 423-697-4400
Training for process‑technician roles in petrochemical and other process industries, with hands‑on learning that covers operating and monitoring manufacturing processes through automated control systems.
Program highlights:
- Prepares graduates to perform the job functions of a Process Technician across petrochemical, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and waste‑management facilities.
- Emphasis on automated control systems for plant operations.
- Experience with key unit operations and equipment, including boilers, cooling towers, distillation columns, and reactors.
- Industry collaboration via the Wacker Institute to develop technicians for the petrochemical sector.
Roane State Community College — Chemical Engineering Technology (A.A.S.) (Harriman, TN)
- Address: 276 Patton Ln, Harriman, TN 37748, United States
- Tel: +1 865-354-3000
An applied pathway in process design, operation, and maintenance with connections to local employers—leading to roles in industries that include petrochemical processing and metal refining.
Program highlights:
- Learning outcomes centered on applying chemical engineering technology to process design, operation, and maintenance.
- Career settings span chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, nuclear processing, metal refining, waste treatment, and more.
- Built‑in support to work with local companies and receive job‑placement help.
Basic Process Instrumentation and Control
This course teaches students to control refinery systems’ temperature, pressure, and flow. They study how to keep systems running efficiently and safely. Hands-on workshops help students practice using instruments to monitor conditions and trigger alarms in case of issues. These skills help avoid economic losses and maintain product quality.
Electrical Safety and Electricity in Refineries
Workers in oil refineries must take electrical safety training. The course teaches safe practices to prevent risks like arc flashes and electric shocks. It follows guidelines from OSHA and the National Electrical Code. For example, the Memphis refinery uses strict safety protocols and has earned awards for its safety practices.
Key Skills for Entry-Level Employment
Training programs provide the skills needed for entry-level roles. Students learn to read, follow safety instructions, use mechanical tools, and understand basic science and math, such as chemistry and algebra. They also train in physical tasks like lifting heavy objects and moving machinery.
Enrollment and Advising Support
Enrollment specialists guide students through the application process. They explain course details, payment options, and available resources. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic computer skills. Some candidates may qualify for financial aid through vocational programs or workforce development boards.
Financial Assistance and Payment Options
Some programs offer financial aid options. Although non-credit courses like FAFSA or Pell Grants do not qualify for federal aid, schools may provide other funding opportunities. Payment plans allow students to pay in smaller monthly installments, making training more affordable.
Virtual National Apprenticeship Week Events
Virtual National Apprenticeship Week features online webinars, workshops, and networking sessions. Industry experts share their knowledge during these events. Students meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities. These events also help raise awareness of apprenticeship programs and support career growth.
Tennessee’s Petroleum Refineries
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Tennessee has one operating petroleum refinery in Memphis. This facility processes around 180,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making up roughly 1% of the nation’s total refining capacity.
The refinery receives its crude oil from the Diamond Pipeline, which supplies oil from Cushing, Oklahoma. Instruments monitor emissions and environmental data to meet regulatory standards and maintain safe operations.
Workshops and Employer Interactions
During National Apprenticeship Week, apprentices join workshops and live sessions to meet potential employers. These events allow students to learn directly from industry professionals and build professional contacts. The interactions help students understand the job market and can lead to future employment.
Self-Paced Courses and Completion Dates
Self-paced courses let students decide when and where to study. Students can finish a course within a year. This flexible option helps learners set their own pace and may allow them to earn college credits. Self-paced learning supports goal setting and improves information retention, which is vital for entry-level roles.
Career Pathways and Advancement
Refinery operators can advance to senior operator, production assembler, or business owner roles. Continuous learning and skill development open the door to management positions. Data from process instruments helps operators monitor performance and plan maintenance. With proper training and experience, operators can achieve significant career growth.
Tennessee is projected to see strong growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Although the workforce is relatively small, the increase in jobs and steady annual openings make this a promising state for opportunities in the field.
- Employment (2022): 170 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 190 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 12%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 20
Refinery Operator Salaries in Tennessee
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Tennessee | $40.55 | $84,340 | $31.65 | $36.24 | $46.03 | $47.26 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $46.03 | $95,750 | $35.87 | $36.24 | $46.03 | $46.03 |