Top Refinery Operator Training Programs in Utah
Utah offers clear career paths for those interested in refinery operator training programs in Utah. The state provides on-site training, OSHA safety courses, and specialized certifications. These programs prepare workers for the practical demands of the oil industry. Local refineries also serve as active training grounds for hands-on experience.
Overview of Training Programs
Utah offers training programs that focus on real work settings and safety. These programs help workers learn the skills needed for success in the oil sector.
Bridgerland Technical College — Boiler Operator Level 1 (Custom Fit)
- Address: 1301 N 600 W, Logan, UT 84321, United States
- Tel: +1 435-753-6780
Focused, multi‑day training that explains how industrial steam‑boiler systems work, how to operate them safely and efficiently, and what equipment and practices keep them reliable.
Program highlights
- Audience: Boiler operators, maintenance staff, and frontline employees who need a practical boiler foundation.
- Safety emphasis: Best practices for efficient, safe, and reliable service.
- Core topics: Boiler systems; steam fittings & accessories; feedwater systems; water treatment; combustion equipment; fuels & combustion; combustion/boiler controls; draft systems; instrumentation & control systems; steam‑boiler operations.
Salt Lake Community College — PLC & VFD Systems (Certificate, 150 hours)
- Address: 4600 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT 84123, United States
- Tel: +1 801-957-4111
A six‑course, 150‑hour certificate that builds industrial control and instrumentation capability—combining lecture with labs to take you from basic and complex controls to motors/VFDs, integrated controls, and an Instrumentation module.
Program highlights
- Structure: 6 courses / 150 hours; skills‑based classes with lecture and lab components. SLCC
- Outcomes: Practice PPE and LOTO, measure AC/DC signals, and design/document/construct control systems that integrate VFDs, HMIs, motors, and PLCs using Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk; read control prints; solder simple circuits and cables. SLCC
- Course sequence: Basic Controls (WTAU 110) → Electrical Safety (WTAU 100) → Complex Controls (WTAU 130) → Motors & VFD Systems (WTAU 140) → Integrated Controls (WTAU 150) → Instrumentation (WTAU 160).
OSHA Training
OSHA training teaches safety rules, proper protective gear use, and emergency procedures, making the work site safer for everyone.
Specialized Courses for Petroleum Pump System Operators
Specialized courses help workers learn how to manage pump systems and maintain equipment. For example, the Certified Petroleum Pump System and Refinery Plant Operator course gives hands-on practice with pump technology and system maintenance. Using case studies and simulations, the course covers pump technology, diagnostics, maintenance, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
On-Site Training Programs
On-site training gives workers practical experience. Local institutions, like the Utah Safety Council, host these sessions. Remote courses, such as the Safety Essentials course with live proctoring, allow workers to learn on schedule.
Professional Certifications
Professional certifications show that a worker has advanced skills. The Refinery Safety Technician Certificate requires nine courses on safety management and OSHA rules. Utah partnerships offer certification programs that meet industry needs. These programs help workers gain certificates that are recognized in the oil sector.
Real-Life Case Studies
Real-life examples show that training improves safety and work performance. Workers report fewer accidents and better skills after completing on-site training, supporting the value of the training programs.
Women in Refinery Operations
Women in the industry face challenges like gender bias and safety concerns. Support groups provide mentorship and share strategies. Seminars and networking events build leadership skills and technical knowledge, helping women advance in their careers.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships help students pursue careers in the oil industry. Utah offers awards that support skill development. For example, the Holly Refinery Scholarship at the University of Utah funds chemical engineering students who meet specific criteria.
Industry Partnerships and Networking
Industry partnerships improve training programs. The Utah Safety Council works with local refineries to create sessions that meet job needs. These partnerships offer networking opportunities that help workers stay updated on new trends and technologies.
Refinery Locations in Utah
Utah hosts two primary petroleum refineries that support the local energy sector. These refineries also serve as practical training sites for refinery operator training programs in Utah.
The Marathon Petroleum Refinery in Salt Lake City is the largest facility in the state. It processes about 66,000 barrels of crude oil daily and produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. In North Salt Lake City, the Big West Oil Refinery is essential in local operations. Although its exact capacity is not specified, it remains a key site for on-site training and practical experience.
Below is a table summarizing key details for each refinery:
| Refinery Name | Location | Daily Capacity (BPD) | Owner/operator |
| Marathon Petroleum Refinery | Refinery Salt Lake City, UT | 66,000 | Marathon Petroleum |
| Big West Oil Refinery | Refinery North Salt Lake City, UT | Not specified | Big West Oil |
Marathon Petroleum Refinery Salt Lake City, UT 66,000 Marathon Petroleum Largest refinery in Utah processes crude oil to produce gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Big West Oil Refinery North Salt Lake City, UT Not specified Big West Oil Key facility for local operations; serves as a practical training site for refinery operators.
Monitoring Process Indicators and Reporting
Training programs teach workers to monitor process indicators. Workers learn to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and inspect work areas. Reporting protocols help reduce equipment failure and keep production steady.
Safety Gear and Equipment Handling
Proper use of safety gear is essential. Workers learn to use personal protective equipment, inspect equipment regularly, and report issues immediately. These practices help prevent accidents and maintain a steady workflow.
Extreme Temperature and Outdoor Facility Training
Operators work in environments with extreme temperatures. Facilities perform best between 32°F and 95°F. High temperatures can lower production by 4 to 5 percent. Training programs stress the importance of monitoring temperature and adjusting operations as needed.
Communication Skills
Clear communication is crucial in refinery operations. Workers are trained to use simple language in critical situations, update colleagues regularly, and report operational changes. Effective communication improves teamwork and ensures a safer work site.
Refinery operator training programs in Utah offer a blend of on-site training, safety courses, and specialized certifications. These programs and practical experience at local refineries prepare workers for a stable career in the oil sector. Aspiring operators gain valuable skills and real-world experience, preparing them for advancing their careers.
Job Outlook
Utah is projected to see solid growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. With a moderate workforce size and steady annual openings, the state offers consistent opportunities for both new and experienced operators.
- Employment (2022): 530 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 580 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 9%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 60
Refinery Operator Salaries in Utah
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Utah | $49.00 | $101,920 | $30.36 | $38.24 | $49.35 | $49.55 |
| Ogden, UT | $49.00 | $101,920 | $30.36 | $38.78 | $49.35 | $49.55 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $47.51 | $98,810 | $33.39 | $40.11 | $49.37 | $49.37 |