Chemical Jobs Education and Training

Chemical jobs education and training varies along with the position's responsibilities

By Virginia Franco, Freelance Writer

Careers in the chemical industry are as varied as the people who work there. Chemical industry jobs encompass everything from engineers to chemists to sales managers. The type of education and training necessary for chemical industry employment depends almost entirely on the chemical job's requirements and job descriptions.

Generally speaking, entry-level jobs require less training and education than more senior jobs. Most chemists positions, as well as chemical engineer jobs, require higher levels of education -- perhaps at the graduate or post-graduate level. Chemical operator jobs, on the other hand, may require certification programs along with a high school diploma. Jobs in administration, management or sales, however, generally require an undergraduate education in a particular area. This article will highlight training and educational requirements for three of the most commonly needed chemical industry jobs:

1. Chemical operators -- one of the largest groups of production workers when looking at chemical industry recruitment;

2. Chemists -- perhaps the largest group of scientists employed in the chemical industry;

3. Business positions -- careers in the chemical industry also encompass sales, administrative and financial positions.

Learn training requirements for chemical operators

Chemical operators are responsible for operating automated equipment and using instruments to test product quality and record and report test results. To secure a chemical industry job as a chemical operator, some companies hire high school graduates, or those with some specialized community college coursework, and place them under the supervision of a more experienced employee. Others attend training programs in the operation of specialized instruments.
Try: Washington State Community College offers an online chemical operator program certification, a 12-class program that includes coursework in math and science. Delaware Technical & Community College's Chemical Process Operator Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for jobs in the chemical industry as well as petroleum, polymer and pharmaceutical plants.

Find out what is needed to qualify for chemists careers in the chemical industry

Chemists are responsible for conducting research and new product development. Chemists usually need a bachelor's degree in engineering or science and an advanced degree is typically requested for research positions.
Try: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections discusses education and training requirements for chemist positions. The site also discusses specific recommended coursework for those seeking a chemistry degree with the hopes of pursuing a chemist job. U.S. News & World Report's site allows you to search for top graduate chemistry programs.

Inquire about chemical jobs supporting the business side of the industry

All businesses require administrators, marketing, sales and customer service expertise to support the financial side of the business. The chemical industry is no exception.
Try: Southern Oregon University offers a business-chemistry degree for those students who want to pursue jobs in chemical industry fields having to do with management, marketing, sales, advertising, customer service, etc. The Arcadia University B.S. in Chemistry and Business program is "for students who have an interest in chemistry but do not want to pursue a career in research."

If you are good at chemistry, but also love other physical sciences, then perhaps you should include forensic chemistry on your list of potential careers in the chemical industry. Forensic chemists combine their knowledge of chemistry, biology, materials science and genetics to analyze evidence and identify criminal activity.

Chemical Jobs Education and Training