Tell me about it
Chemical engineers apply principles of science and technology to create the chemical plant and machinery needed to manufacture chemicals, plastics, synthetic fibres, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, certain food and drink products and medical gases. They need considerable skill to control reactions which can be highly unstable and where factors such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, heat removal and concentration of reactants must all be taken into account. Chemical engineers are also known as process or biochemical engineers because they deal with all kinds of materials in addition to chemicals.

The work often revolves around turning a small-scale laboratory project into a large-scale, economically viable, safe and reliable industrial process.

Experienced chemical engineers usually achieve either incorporated or chartered status. Broadly speaking, incorporated engineers specialise in applying modern technology, while chartered engineers focus more on research and development or manufacture and installation.

Entry level
Although it is possible to begin training for craft or technician-level jobs straight from school with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths and science, the normal way to train as a professional engineer is to study full time at university or college for a first degree.

For a chemical engineering degree course, you would need at least two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and chemistry, or equivalent qualifications, and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). If you don't have qualifications in maths and chemistry, you may be accepted onto a foundation year before the first year of a chemical engineering degree.

Some degree courses combine chemical engineering with other subjects such as environmental management, process control or brewing and distilling technology. Others include languages. Several colleges offer sandwich courses in chemical engineering where you spend a year in industry during your course.

Making the grade
To qualify as an incorporated chemical engineer, you should, having successfully completed an accredited three-year BEng degree or equivalent qualification, undertake a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You would then have to pass a professional review, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

To qualify as a chartered chemical engineer, you must have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification, complete a period of initial professional development, which includes training and professional engineering experience, and pass a professional review with an interview, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

There are opportunities to reach senior managerial positions, often at a relatively young age. It is not unusual to find chemical engineers on the boards of large multinational companies.

Personal qualities
As a chemical engineer, you should be good at chemistry because, although you are not a chemist, the work inevitably includes a significant chemistry content. You would need good communication skills, as you would be required to discuss detailed proposals with other chemists and technologists and to explain technical issues to people who do not have your knowledge and expertise.

You must also have a very high standard of computer literacy

Looking ahead
Job prospects for chemical engineers are outstanding, and they are always in demand.
Jobs range from research and development, through the design, construction, commission and management of a plant, to product marketing and customer service.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include biochemist, civil engineer, electrical/electronic engineer, materials scientist, mechanical engineer, pharmacist or pharmacologist.

Take-home pay
Chemical Engineers are regarded as professional 'high flyers', particularly those who achieve chartered status. The average salary for recent graduates is £23,000, rising to an average £56,400 for chartered chemical engineers. The average salary for all chemical engineers is currently £47,900.

Effects
A 37-hour week is normal in laboratories and research establishments. However, working hours and conditions are quite different for engineers working on development projects. On-site hours are often irregular and can include evening and weekend work, possibly 50 hours or more a week.

Sources of information
Institution of Chemical Engineers: www.whynotchemeng.com
Engineering Careers Information Service: www.enginuity.org.uk.
Engineering Council UK: www.engc.org.uk

CRCI: GD