Job Description
Chemical engineering technicians help chemical engineers to research, develop and manufacture plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.
Entry Requirements
You can get this job through:
College
You can take a college course in Applied Science before applying to a company for a trainee job.
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
The following local colleges offer courses in Applied Science:
Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.
Apprenticeship
You can complete a laboratory technician or science manufacturing technician advanced apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
University
You can do a foundation degree in chemistry or higher national certificate in applied science chemistry.
You'll usually need 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry.
Click here to search for a suitable course.
More information
You can get more advice about careers and training in the chemical industry from the Institution of Chemical Engineers and Cogent Skills.
Career Path and Progression
With experience, you could become a shift supervisor, eventually moving into maintenance or production management.
You could also move into materials development and design, quality control or sales and marketing.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Chemical engineer
- Chemical plant process operator
- Energy engineer
- Leather technologist
- Materials technician
Required Skills
- chemistry and maths skills
- spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to understand and present scientific data
- excellent IT skills
- problem-solving ability
- analytical thinking skills
Salary Range
£18,000 to £35,000
