Maintenance

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national certificate or degree in:

• chemistry
• chemical sciences
• chemical engineering
• biochemical engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You can take a college course before applying to a company for a trainee technician job.

Courses include:

• applied science
• chemistry
• T Level in Science (laboratory sciences option)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to get into this job, such as:

• Laboratory Technician
• Science Manufacturing Technician
• Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician

With experience, you might also go on to do a Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institution of Chemical Engineers for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in the chemicals industry from the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become a shift or lab supervisor in a production plant, eventually moving into management.

You could also work in:materials development and design; quality control; product sales and marketing

With further training, you could become a chemical engineer.