Chemical engineering technician
You'll transform raw materials into everyday necessities. You'll use your skills to support the research, development and sustainable manufacturing of products.
About the job
What it's like
Support engineers and scientists in developing, testing and improving chemical processes. You'll play a key part in turning raw materials into useful products safely and efficiently.
You'll focus on running experiments, monitoring equipment and collecting data to help design better ways to make things such as fuels, medicines and plastics.
It's rewarding to see the results of your work in real products and processes. Your days could vary from testing water quality, to helping scale up a new process in a pilot plant.
You’ll find this role in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and drink, energy, water treatment and manufacturing. Some specialise in areas such as environmental monitoring, process control or quality assurance.
Your tasks might include:
setting up and maintaining laboratory or plant equipment
monitoring chemical reactions and recording results
preparing solutions and samples for testing
carrying out routine quality control checks
testing equipment faults and reporting issues
supporting engineers with process improvements
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
monitor emissions and waste to reduce environmental impact
develop cleaner, more efficient production processes
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Engineering and manufacturing -
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Chemical sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Chemistry
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Practical Electronics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Mechnical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Applied Science
Engineering Systems
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Getting work experience can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a chemical engineering technician. Search for engineering opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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