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Chemical engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Chemical engineering technicians help to research, develop and manufacture plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£40,000 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 a 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 in chemistry or higher national certificate in applied science chemistry or chemical 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 job. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate In Applied Science and Technology
  • Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
  • Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
  • Chemistry A level

Entry requirements

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can complete a laboratory technician or science manufacturing technician advanced apprenticeship.

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

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can get more advice about careers and training in the chemical industry from the Institution of Chemical Engineers and Cogent Skills.

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
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • analytical thinking 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

In this role you could:

  • help to design, build or install production plant equipment
  • carry out laboratory experiments to develop new products
  • monitor production processes
  • record data and make adjustments to machinery
  • carry out maintenance checks and make repairs
  • make sure safety procedures are followed
  • carry out quality control checks

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 supervisor, eventually moving into maintenance or production management.

You could also move into materials development and design, quality control or sales and marketing.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £19,437.00 Annually
  • Location: Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Quality Control Chemist Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £19,903.00 Annually
  • Location: Rotherham

Courses In England

Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons), Degree Apprenticeship

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH
  • Start date: 25 September 2023
  • Location: Chatham Maritime

HNC IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

  • Provider: HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 18 September 2023
  • Location: HARTLEPOOL

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