Chemical Plant Process Operator

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends on shifts

How To Become a Chemical Plant Process Operator

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could take a college course, which would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed in the job, for example:

Level 1 Certificate in Applied Science
Level 2 Diploma in Process Technology

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a science manufacturing process operative intermediate apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for jobs. Some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths, English, IT and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications.

You may be asked to take a maths test along with other assessments, and pass a medical at the interview stage.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

observation and recording skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
the ability to operate and control equipment
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
excellent verbal communication skills
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

setting up production machinery
mixing and loading raw materials into tanks
reading instruments and making adjustments to settings
taking samples and recording data to monitor quality
packing and storing finished batches
stock control
cleaning and maintaining machinery
reporting problems
following strict health and safety guidelines

Working Environment

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could move into quality control, lab work, maintenance or shift management.

With further study, you could become a process technician.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Previous experience in the manufacturing and processing industries would be an advantage.

A forklift truck certificate may be useful.

Further information

You can find more on careers in the chemicals industry from Cogent Skills.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.