Best Refinery Operator Training Programs in Virginia
Virginia has a long history in the petroleum industry. Refinery operator training programs in Virginia teach students to operate and maintain refinery equipment safely. Local colleges and technical schools offer courses that blend classroom lessons with hands-on practice. These programs help students build essential skills for steady work in local refineries.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Refining closed (e.g., Yorktown), so operator‑type roles are typically at terminals/ports; a HS/GED, clean MVR, and ability to obtain/maintain TWIC and complete port safety/ID credentialing are standard, along with background/drug screening and comfort with outdoor, rotating shift work.
Refinery Operator Training Programs
Virginia training programs teach technical knowledge and practical skills. Students learn to manage refinery processes and work with machinery safely.
Mountain Gateway Community College – Electrical & Instrumentation Technology (A.A.S.) – Clifton Forge
- Address: 1000 College Dr, Clifton Forge, VA 24422, United States
- Tel: +1 540-863-2820
- Tuition fee:
- Resident: $172.80/credit
- Non-resident: $389.90/credit
An applied associate degree that readies entry‑level technicians for electrical and industrial instrumentation roles. The program page highlights career paths in maintenance/repair and controls design, with industrial settings that include product manufacturing, paper mills, petroleum processing plants, nuclear power plants, shipyards, and more.
Program highlights
- Credential: Associate of Applied Science in Electrical & Instrumentation Technology.
- Career focus: Electrical/instrumentation maintenance & repair technician; electrical and controls designer.
- Industry settings noted: Product manufacturing, breweries, alternative energy, food production, petroleum processing plants, HVAC equipment manufacturers, building automation, automotive manufacturing, nuclear power, shipyards.
Tidewater Community College – Mechatronics (A.A.S. & CSCs) – Chesapeake
- Address: 1428 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322, United States
- Tel: +1 757-822-1111
- Tuition fee:
- Resident: $200.40/credit
- Non-resident: $446.00/credit
Training to operate, maintain, and repair smart devices and systems that integrate sensors, actuators, instrumentation, process control, and automation, taught in industry‑vetted labs.
Program highlights
- Degree format: A.A.S., 66 credits over 4 semesters; offered at the Chesapeake Campus.
- Skill coverage: Instrumentation, process control, automation, and robotics within advanced manufacturing environments.
- Hands‑on labs: State‑of‑the‑art mechatronics facilities with real‑world training experiences.
- Short‑term options: Career Studies Certificates – Mechatronics (29 credits/3 semesters), Mechatronics Trainee (20 credits/2 semesters), Mechatronics Technician (19 credits/2 semesters).
Cantral Virginia Community College
This self‑paced online program builds core refinery‑operator skills – safety, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting – so beginners can prepare for entry‑level roles. You can start anytime and study 100% online.
Tuition Fee:
- Format: 100% online, self‑paced; open‑enrollment / 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 P&IDs, pumps/heat exchangers, plus refining fundamentals (intro, distillation, core processes).
- Who it’s for / prereqs: New entrants; basic computer/keyboard skills and a high‑school diploma or equivalent recommended.
Pathways Into Refinery Operations
You don’t need to go after a “refinery operations” program by name to enter this field. Training in adjacent technical areas can build the same foundation of skills – control, systems, safety, and equipment logic – that refineries look for.
In Virginia, Oil Refinery Operations training is offered (for example, via Virginia Wesleyan University) Career Training. To broaden your options, you can also consider programs in Process Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Industrial Maintenance, Petroleum Technology, or Safety & Compliance. These paths teach you how to monitor systems, interpret control logic, troubleshoot equipment, and maintain operational safety – placing you in a strong position for entry-level operator roles with room to grow into control room, optimization, or leadership roles.
Average Rent Near Refinery Operator Training Schools in Virginia
Here’s a simple, student‑focused snapshot for Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) in Clifton Forge, Virginia. MGCC is a commuter college; the catalog directs students to off‑campus options (rooms, apartments, houses) rather than residence halls. MGCC also operates the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista, so both locations are shown. Living Wage Calculator+1
- MGCC – Clifton Forge (main campus)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$1,074/month (nearby Covington city 1‑BR average, a reliable local benchmark). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered; the college shares off‑campus housing information. catalog.mgcc.edu
- MGCC – Rockbridge Regional Center (Buena Vista)
- Off‑campus (1‑bedroom): ~$676/month (Buena Vista 1‑BR average). Apartments.com
- On‑campus: Not offered by MGCC.
Additional cost considerations
If you’re renting off campus near MGCC, plan for utilities, commuting, and day‑to‑day essentials. Figures below use local/state sources and stay easy to scan.
Utilities
Most leases bill these separately unless noted.
- Electricity: about $141.63/month – Virginia’s average residential electric bill (2023, EIA). U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Natural gas (heat/cooking): about $77/month – Virginia’s average 2023 residential annual gas bill $919 ≈ $77/mo (American Gas Association). American Gas Association
- Water & sewer (Clifton Forge example): city guidance says ~$114/month for a standard 5/8″ meter at 5,000 gal (water + sewer). Some rentals bundle this – ask before you sign. Town of Clifton Forge, Va
- Home internet: entry fiber/cable plans around $50/month (e.g., Lumos 500 Mbps ~$50/mo in VA markets). HighSpeedInternet.com
Transport and commute costs
- Local bus (Mountain Express – RADAR): $1.00 per one‑way trip in Covington/Clifton Forge/Iron Gate/Alleghany County; runs Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Radar Transit
- If you drive: Virginia’s current average regular gas price ~ $2.98/gal (AAA). Your monthly cost depends on miles driven. AAA Fuel Prices
Food and supplies
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Alleghany County gives clean monthly anchors for one adult:
- Groceries (“Food”): ~$4,222/year → plan ~$352/month**. Living Wage Calculator
- “Other” necessities (personal care, small household items, phone/broadband share, etc.): ~$3,770/year → ~$314/month**. In the budget below, this is split across Personal supplies, Dining out & entertainment, and Miscellaneous to keep things simple. Living Wage Calculator
Sample monthly budget
Example for an MGCC student (Clifton Forge area) renting a 1‑bedroom near Covington and using the $1 Mountain Express for most local trips. Sources are shown on each line; calculation steps are intentionally omitted.
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Off campus rent | $1,074 |
| Utilities cost (heat, electric, water, internet) | $385 |
| Groceries | $352 |
| Transport costs | $30 |
| Personal supplies and toiletries | $120 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $160 |
| Miscellaneous | $34 |
| Total estimated monthly cost | $2,155 |
Key Skills for Refinery Operators
A refinery operator must monitor machines and fix problems. They use instruments to control pumps and check that operations remain safe. They study mechanical systems and learn safety rules. They spot small changes in machine performance and act quickly. Clear communication and fast problem-solving are essential.
Virginia’s Petroleum Refineries
Virginia has a notable history in petroleum refining. The Yorktown refinery processed 66,000 barrels per day until it closed in 2011. Its closure led to job losses and less local tax revenue. Environmental studies at the Yorktown site continue to check for pollution.
Paths to Become a Refinery Operator
To become a refinery operator, you need a high school diploma or GED and good math skills. Training programs mix classroom study with practical work. Most courses offer about 400 hours of instruction.
Vocational Education and Training
Community colleges in Virginia provide vocational courses for refinery operators. These courses combine academic lessons with hands-on work. Students learn how to operate refineries and follow safety practices. They build skills needed for the job.
On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships
Many new operators gain skills by working at refineries. They work for three to five years to learn practical tasks. Some companies offer apprenticeship programs that mix classroom lessons with work experience.
Course Structure and Content
Training programs cover basic math, safety rules, and operational techniques. Courses offer self-paced study and instructor-led classes. Boot camp sessions give extra practice. Trainees must sign up in advance for these sessions.
Financial Help and Enrollment Support
Students can get financial help through grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Some groups, such as seniors and foster children, may receive tuition waivers. Enrollment specialists assist students with the application process.
Job Market and Work Opportunities
Virginia is projected to see strong growth in refinery operator employment over the next decade. Although the workforce is relatively small, the significant percentage increase and steady annual openings make this a state with promising opportunities.
- Employment (2022): 100 employees
- Projected employment (2032): 120 employees
- Projected growth (2022–2032): 20%
- Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 10
Refinery Operator Salaries in Virginia
| Area | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Virginia | $38.78 | $80,650 | $27.79 | $30.88 | $49.07 | $56.34 |
| Richmond, VA | $45.31 | $94,250 | $24.52 | $32.41 | $56.34 | $56.34 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $46.96 | $97,680 | $37.04 | $40.32 | $46.96 | $50.44 |
Find Refinery Operator Job Listings in Virginia
Virginia openings concentrate around Hampton Roads – Norfolk/Portsmouth/Chesapeake and the Newport News shipyard – plus the Richmond/Hopewell chemical corridor and NoVA utilities/data-center support. Not every listing is a refinery-operator role – or even directly refinery-track – but many support process operations, maintenance, and E&I/instrumentation across terminals, power/CHP, shipyards, and water/wastewater. Expect day and rotating shifts, some port jobs requiring a TWIC, and steady hiring tied to 24/7 infrastructure.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| PART TIME – Fuel Distribution System Operator | Maytag Aircraft Corporation | Norfolk, VA | 08/02/2025 |
Source: CareerOneStop.org
Student Support Services
Student support services help trainees finish their programs. Academic advisors guide students through course requirements. Tutoring and counseling assist those who need extra help. Disability services offer adjustments to ensure a smooth learning experience.
Becoming a refinery operator in Virginia offers clear career opportunities. You can choose vocational training or on-the-job learning. With proper education and support, you can succeed in the petroleum industry. Start your journey by enrolling in a training program and gaining the skills needed to work in refineries.