Chemical Engineering Technician
Job Description:Chemical engineering technicians help to research, develop and manufacture plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- help to design, build or install production plant equipment
- carry out laboratory experiments to develop new products
- monitor production processes
- record data and make adjustments to machinery
- carry out maintenance checks and make repairs
- make sure safety procedures are followed
- carry out quality control checks
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- complex problem-solving skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- design skills and knowledge (creative skills)
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You can do a foundation degree in chemistry or higher national certificate in applied science chemistry or chemical engineering.
College
You can take a college course before applying to a company for a trainee job. Relevant courses include the following courses – or equivalent if not in the UK:
- Level 2 Certificate In Applied Science and Technology
- Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
- Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- Chemistry A level
Apprenticeship
You can complete a laboratory technician or science manufacturing technician advanced apprenticeship.
Working Hours and 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:
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.