ADD ADVICE TO FAVChemical engineer
Chemical engineers are employed across a huge variety of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, energy, water, food and drink, and biotechnology.
What chemical engineers do
- alter the chemical, biochemical or physical state of a substance to turn raw materials into useful products, ranging from face creams to fuels
- develop, design, modify and control large-scale processes to make products and treat substances on a commercial scale
- ensure that large-scale processes operate in the safest, most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way
Key skills
- highly numerate thinking with good problem-solving and analytical skills
- good communication skills
- excellent understanding of processes, how to monitor and control them, and the logic of their operation
- good teamworking and the ability to take an overview of a situation
- good project-management skills.
Training to be a chemical engineer
Obtaining chartered status requires detailed knowledge of and experience in the application of chemical engineering principles. This is usually achieved through three to four years of academic study combined with four or more years of continuing professional development.
During their post-university years, chemical engineers need to develop their ability to deliver safe, sustainable and cost-effective solutions to challenges in large-scale industrial operations, process design and project management. They would also need to gain experience in a role of responsibility.
Normally they can apply to the Institution of Chemical Engineers for chartered status between four and six years after graduation.
Salaries
Current salaries for graduate trainees are in the range of £24,000 to £32,000. Chartered chemical engineers can expect to earn at least £42,000 when they reach their thirties.
