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Chemical engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Chemical engineering technicians develop processes used in the manufacturing of medicines, food, textiles and fuels.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 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 engineering technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national certificate or degree in:

  • chemistry
  • chemical sciences
  • chemical engineering
  • biochemical engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

More Information

College

You can take a college course before applying to a company for a trainee technician job. 

Courses include:

  • applied science
  • chemistry
  • T Level in Science (laboratory sciences option)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to get into this job, such as:

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Science Manufacturing Technician
  • Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician

With experience, you might also go on to do a Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 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

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in the chemicals industry from 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:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • 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

As a chemical engineering technician, you could:

  • help to design, build or install production plant equipment
  • research new products and processes in the laboratory
  • monitor production processes and machinery
  • record data and make adjustments to instruments
  • follow safety procedures and regulations
  • carry out quality control checks

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a chemical engineering technician to be a green job, you could:

  • develop alternative fuels like hydrogen to reduce reliance on petrochemicals
  • investigate ways to reduce waste plastic
  • research more efficient and sustainable ways to manufacture batteries

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

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

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 become a shift or lab supervisor in a production plant, eventually moving into management.

You could also work in:

  • materials development and design
  • quality control
  • product sales and marketing

With further training, you could become a chemical engineer.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Laboratory Technician

  • Wage: £11,980.80 a year Annually
  • Location: KIRKBY, KNOWSLEY

Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Cheltenham

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Chemistry

  • Provider: CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP GRAMMAR SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Sidcup

Chemistry

  • Provider: STUART BATHURST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Wednesbury
Find courses near you

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