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Chemical engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Chemical engineers develop ways to turn raw materials into everyday products.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Chemical engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • chemical engineering
  • process engineering
  • biochemical engineering

You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you have a degree in a related area like engineering, chemistry or polymer science.

Some universities offer a foundation year for people without qualifications in maths and science, which allows them to move onto the degree course afterwards.

You could take a postgraduate master's qualification like an MEng. This would include independent research and would give you a greater knowledge and understanding of chemical engineering science. It could also prepare you for further postgraduate study like a PhD.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a science industry process engineer degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a chemical engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Chemical Engineers for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training in chemical engineering through the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • science skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

If you work in research and development, you could;

  • test new ways to develop products in the lab
  • use computer models to work out safe and cost-effective production methods
  • plan how to move from lab tests to pilot production and then large-scale processing
  • develop methods to deal safely with by-products and waste materials

In manufacturing, you could:

  • work with plant designers to create production equipment and instruments
  • oversee the day-to-day operation of the processing plant
  • monitor production and deal with problems
  • work closely with quality control and health and safety managers

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, in an office or at a manufacturing plant.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior process or design engineer, research and development manager.

You could go on to be a plant manager, or overall operations manager.

You could also move into consultancy work.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Chemical engineer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Chemical engineer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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