Routes into chemical engineering

Apprenticeships are an attractive option as you can "earn while you learn" and you'll be in full-time employment, getting hands-on with your job while studying for a qualification. Reducing the financial burden and increasing the prospect of a secure job at the end of your apprenticeship makes the apprenticeship route a solid choice. Apprenticeships are open to 16 year-olds and 18 year-olds and older.  An alternative is the university route to study chemical engineering from 18 years of age, and some students are choosing from a growing range of degree apprenticeships.

Types of apprenticeship

Depending on your previous experience and qualifications, there are different levels of apprenticeships. 

Advanced apprenticeships take, on average, two years complete and you'll spend some time studying alongside your employment. How studying takes place can vary; attending a college on set days, completing study online or meeting with a trainer. At the end of successfully completing your advanced apprenticeship, you'll have achieved the equivalent of two A-levels and you can then go on to a higher apprenticeship or degree in the future if you want to. 

Higher apprenticeships take around three to five years to complete and are usually at level 4 or 5, equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate university degree course or a foundation degree course. 

Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete and involve spending 80% of your time working and 20% on your university studies. This might be one or two days per week, or in short blocks, such as a week at a time. 

The box below shows different levels of study at school or college in the UK and the different types of apprenticeship. You can find advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships in chemical engineering. It's worth noting that the actual job title or title of the apprenticeship may be called something else, like process or plant engineer. 

National Apprenticeship Week 10 - 16 February 2025

Now in it's 18th year, National Apprenticeship Week is where you can find about about apprenticeships and there's a toolkit for you and your parents/carers to download and read.

Find out more at National Apprenticeship Week 2025.

Webinar: Apprenticeship routes into chemical engineering

12 February 2025 14:00 to 15:00 GMT 

For more information on UK apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships work differently depending on where you are in the UK. England and Wales both offer degree apprenticeships, with England dominating the offerings. In Scotland, degree apprenticeships are known as graduate apprenticeships. Northern Ireland offers higher level apprenticeships (HLAs) that offer you qualifications up to Level 7, which is the equivalent of a master’s degree. However, the majority are at Level 5, which is equivalent to a foundation degree.

For information on apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships available in the UK go to Find apprenticeship training or for England About Apprenticeships for Scotland Apprenticeships Scot for Wales Become an apprentice and for Northern Ireland Apprenticeships.