Chemical engineering technician
Work on the research, development and manufacture of products such as plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£481
Entry level
£808
Experienced
Monthly
£2,083
Entry level
£3,500
Experienced
Yearly
£25,000
Entry level
£42,000
Experienced
10,400
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would work with chemical engineers on the research, development and manufacture of products such as plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.
Depending on which part of a plant you work in, you would:
Help to design, build or install production plant equipment
Carry out laboratory experiments to develop new products
Check production processes, using measuring and control instruments
Record data and make adjustments to machinery
Do maintenance checks and make repairs
Make sure safety procedures are followed
Do quality control checks.
With experience, you could work as a shift manager and supervise chemical plant process workers.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Chemical engineering technician'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Electrical engineering technician Mechanical engineering technician Wind turbine technician
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.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy 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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Chemistry
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
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.
A Modern Apprenticeship with a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Engineering (SVQ level 3/4), Oil and Gas Production (SVQ level 3) or Gas Industry (SVQ level 2/3) such as:
Process Operations Modern Apprenticeship
Oil & Gas Production Modern Apprenticeship
Engineering Modern Apprenticeship
A Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) such as Engineering, Applied Chemistry or Engineering technologies to enter as a trainee.
Entry requirements vary but many employers ask for qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6 when applying to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2 to 6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 5).
Once in a job with further training, you could qualify as a chemical engineer. Training could include a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in chemical engineering, applied chemistry or engineering technologies.
Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland
Find the perfect course to boost your career.
