Chemical engineering technician
Chemical engineering technicians develop processes used in the manufacturing of medicines, food, textiles and fuels.
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
We've identified this as a potential green job
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
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.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
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
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
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
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.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.