Chemical plant process operator
Control and check the machinery used to make useful products like paints, plastics, cosmetics and toiletries.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£346
Entry level
£712
Experienced
Monthly
£1,500
Entry level
£3,083
Experienced
Yearly
£18,000
Entry level
£37,000
Experienced
5,800
people are currently employed
Low growth
400 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 check and run the machines that make products like paints, plastics, cosmetics and toiletries.
The way in which these products are made is changing as we look for green and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Every day people all over the country, and even all over the world, would use the items you have helped to produce.
It would be your responsibility to follow manufacturing procedures and make sure the machines were operated safely.
Your tasks might include:
setting up the machines
measuring, weighing, mixing and loading materials
checking meter readings and adjusting the machines
taking product samples and recording the data for quality checks
packing finished items into barrels, tanks or containers
closing down and clean the machines
carrying out small repairs
reporting any major problems
following health and safety guidelines carefully
Your work would be supervised by a shift manager and an engineer.
Hours
Environment
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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:
- understanding
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- reading
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:
Chemistry
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
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.
Although there aren't any required qualifications many employers would value a good general education and qualifications at National 4 and 5 (SCQF level 4/5).
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Process Manufacture (SCQF level 6/7) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
The recruitment process may involve aptitude tests to check your suitability for the role.
You may have to undergo a medical and you should have good eyesight and colour vision.
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