Chemical Engineering Technician

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Chemical Engineering Technician

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You can do a foundation degree in chemistry or higher national certificate in applied science chemistry.

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

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

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

Apprenticeship

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

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

helping to design, build or install production plant equipment
carrying out laboratory experiments to develop new products
monitoring production processes
recording data and making adjustments to machinery
carrying out maintenance checks and making repairs
making sure safety procedures are followed
carrying 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 & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & 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.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.