Chemical Engineering Technician
What is the work like?
As a chemical or process engineering technician, you would work with chemical engineers on the research, development and manufacture of products, such as plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.
You could be employed in any area of process engineering, for example, research and development, design and construction of chemical processing plants, or in plant operations and maintenance.
Depending on which part of the plant you worked in, your duties could include:
- helping to design, build or install production plant equipment
- carrying out laboratory experiments to develop new products
- monitoring production processes using measurement and control instruments
- 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.
With experience, you could work as a shift manager, supervising chemical plant process workers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are three main ways to become a chemical engineering technician. You could:
- join an apprenticeship scheme
- take a college course in engineering or process engineering and then apply for a trainee technician job
- start work as chemical plant process worker and gain promotion.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
College courses that you could take before looking for a trainee position include:
- BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, Operations and Maintenance Engineering (Process), Polymer Processing and Materials Technology, or Applied Science (Lab and Industrial)
- City & Guilds Technical Certificate in Engineering or Process Technology
- A Level in Engineering
If you are already working as a process operative, you may be able to move up to technician level by studying for one of the qualifications above or those outlined in the training and development section below.
See the websites for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for information about chemical engineering as a career.
For more details of careers in the energy, polymer or petroleum sectors of the chemical industry, contact Cogent.
What further training and development can I do?
Your on-the-job training would normally include health and safety, and the chance to gain a relevant NVQ to at least level 3. NVQs include:
- Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical Manufacture
- Polymer Processing and Related Operations
- Process Engineering Maintenance
- Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.
You could also take higher-level qualifications such as a foundation degree, BTEC HNC or HND or degree in chemical engineering, applied chemistry or engineering technology. You may be able to study for these part-time or by distance learning whilst you are working.
You could improve your career prospects by joining a professional engineering body like IChemE or IET and applying for registered Engineering Technician (EngTech) status with the Engineering Council.
Where can I go for more information?
2nd FloorWeston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
Rugby
CV21 3HQ
Tel: 01788 578214
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
Electrical Engineering Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Measurement and Control Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £15,000 a year.
- With experience this can reach £20,000 to £30,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours could vary depending on where you work. In research and development, you might work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, sometimes with extra hours to meet project deadlines. In processing and manufacturing, you could work on a shift system that includes weekends, evenings and nights.
You could be based in a laboratory, office or process plant. If you work in the minerals processing or oil exploration industries, you could be based in remote parts of the world for the duration of the contract.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good knowledge of chemistry and maths
- an understanding of engineering principles
- good spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to understand and present scientific data
- excellent IT skills
- accuracy and attention to detail
- problem-solving ability
- the ability to work on your own and as a part of a team.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work in a wide range of industries, including chemicals production, food, energy, medical and utilities such as water and gas.
With experience, you could become a shift supervisor, then move into maintenance or production management. Other options could include materials development and design, quality control or sales and marketing.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
The Engineer
tcetoday.com
JustEngineers.net
Engineering Jobs Network
Why Not Chem Eng?
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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