Chemical plant process operator
Chemical plant process operators control machinery that makes products like paints, plastics, solvents and cosmetics.
Also known as: Chemical process operator, chemical plant worker
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£34,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 44 a week
What you'll do
As a chemical plant process operator, you'll:
- set up production machinery
- mix and load raw materials into tanks
- monitor instruments and make adjustments to settings
- take routine samples and record data for lab quality checks
- package up finished products and move them to storage areas
- clean and maintain production lines
- follow strict health and safety rules and report technical problems
Working environment
You could work at a manufacturing plant or in a laboratory.
Your working environment may be noisy.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a chemical plant process operator
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course, which would give you some of the skills and knowledge that might help you to get a job as a trainee.
For example:
- chemistry
- science
- applied science
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply for an apprenticeship, for example:
- Science Manufacturing Process Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Polymer Processing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Process Industry Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 3 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training with off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. Some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths, English, IT and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into:
- shift supervision
- quality control
- machine maintenance
- health and safety
- training
With further study, you could become a manufacturing process technician or process lead.
Career tips
Previous experience in the manufacturing and processing industries would be an advantage, as would forklift truck training.
Guides for this industry
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