IChemE accreditation for all

Steven Gasser discusses IChemE accredited company training schemes (ACTS), a flagship initiative that supports organisations investing in the professional development of the next generation of chemical engineers.

IChemE accreditation is designed with flexibility at its core. Whether your organisation is a multinational corporation with hundreds of graduate engineers across multiple sites, or a small enterprise with a handful of employees, the accreditation framework is broad enough to accommodate the diverse industries that exist within the sector. This adaptability is particularly important in today’s business landscape, where agility and diversity are critical to success.

The ACTS framework helps companies offer their graduates the right type of training and experience during their initial professional development as they work towards Chartered Chemical Engineer status. ACTS were developed to ensure graduates receive the full range of work-based training and experience needed to demonstrate their competence and commitment, with IChemE accreditation delivered under licence from the Engineering Council.

Why ACTS matters

A clear path to Chartered status: ACTS are a powerful enabler for graduates aiming to achieve Chartered Chemical Engineer and CEng status. In gaining accreditation for your graduate scheme, you evidence that you offer a robust initial professional development.

Consistency across locations: For organisations with multiple sites, whether national or international, ACTS ensure a consistent standard of training, eliminating disparities and ensuring every graduate has equal opportunities for development.

Scalable for any size: ACTS don’t impose a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you onboard ten graduate engineers annually or 100, ACTS accommodate your operational scale.

Enhanced employer branding: Accreditation demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence, making your organisation more attractive to top talent. Graduates recognise IChemE accreditation as a mark of quality, and it can give your recruitment efforts a significant competitive edge.

Celebrate diversity in chemical engineering

Chemical engineering is a field enriched by diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences, and IChemE ACTS embrace this diversity. The framework is inclusive by design, encouraging companies to support engineers from all backgrounds and routes into the profession. Accreditation is not limited to schemes recruiting via traditional pathways; it accommodates graduates with non-accredited degree qualifications, and those with non-traditional career trajectories and multidisciplinary roles.

Moreover, ACTS are accessible to a wide range of industries, from those with established engineering pipelines to emerging fields which rely on chemical engineering professionals. By fostering this inclusivity, IChemE supports the broad application of engineering skills and ensures every organisation can benefit from developing its people.

Benefits beyond accreditation

The advantages of ACTS accreditation extend beyond the recognition itself. Companies that adopt the framework report improved employee retention – staff feel valued and supported in their professional journeys. The structure of ACTS also relies on mentoring and knowledge-sharing, creating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

For smaller organisations, ACTS offer a valuable opportunity to benchmark against industry standards, ensuring that even without extensive resources, their training programmes are competitive and effective.

A call to action

Investing in talent is no longer optional – it’s imperative. IChemE accreditation is more than just a stamp of approval; it’s a strategic asset that enables organisations to build the skilled, adaptable, and innovative workforce required to thrive in the 21st century.

No matter the size of your company, the industry you operate in, or number of engineers you employ, IChemE accreditation has a lot to offer. By adopting this adaptable framework, you’re not just supporting your engineers – you’re helping to shape the future of the profession.

This is first in a series of articles on the benefits of accredited company training schemes (ACTS) for employers, graduates, and volunteers. To read the whole series, visit the Benefits of accredited company training schemes page.