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- Requires good maths knowledge, complex problem-solving skills and analytical thinking skills
- Option to move into materials development and design, quality control, or sales and marketing
- In mineral processing or oil exploration industries, you might be based in a remote part of the world
A chemical engineering technician's primary task is assisting chemical engineers with specific duties, usually focused around support, production, diagnostics and quality.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- 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
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
As a chemical engineering technician you could work at a manufacturing plant, in an office or in a laboratory. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may need to wear protective clothing.
In research and development, you might work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime.
In processing and manufacturing, you might work on a shift system that includes weekends, evenings and nights.
You'll need
This role is ideal for someone with good maths knowledge, complex problem-solving skills and analytical thinking skills.
You'll usually need to complete a college course before applying to a company for a trainee position. Relevant courses include level 2 Certificate In Applied Science and Technology, level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills, level 3 Diploma in Applied Science and Chemistry A level.
You can also complete a laboratory technician or science manufacturing technician advanced apprenticeship.
Alternatively you can do a foundation degree in chemistry or higher national certificate in applied science chemistry.
It would be helpful to join the Institution of Chemical Engineers for professional development opportunities.
CAREER PROSPECTS
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.