Kickstart your engineering career with IChemE accredited graduate training

Selecting the right employer can significantly shape the transition from university to the workplace and opting for a company with an IChemE Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS) offers distinct advantages.

IChemE-accredited schemes are designed to ensure graduates gain the real-world experience, technical skills, and professional competencies required to become a Chartered Chemical Engineer – a hallmark of professional excellence in the field.

As Barry Weightman, an IChemE professional reviewer and ACTS assessor, explains, ACTS provide a quality-assured framework to systematically develop these skills.
"IChemE has specific requirements and expectations for becoming a Chartered Member and being able to distil their work into a concise report that best showcases the applicant’s experience and readiness is a daunting task” says Weightman. “This is where an ACTS can really benefit an early career engineer because it ensures that upon successful completion of the scheme, trainees should in principle have satisfied the requirements for IChemE Chartered Membership.”

This structured approach removes uncertainty for graduates, providing clear milestones and measurable progress throughout their development.

Real-world learning

Jamie Horgan, a graduate process engineer at integrated energy services provider Kent, highlights how his employer’s IChemE accredited scheme supports rapid professional growth.

“Kent’s IChemE accreditation, along with the strong support provided to engineers working toward Chartered Membership, were major factors in my decision to join the company after university,” says Horgan.

“From day one, graduates are given real project responsibilities, starting with significant technical guidance and gradually taking on more ownership as we progress. The scheme’s structure and delivery have been excellent.”

Mentorship and guidance

One of the standout features of an ACTS is the mentorship provided by experienced Chartered engineers. Mentors play a critical role, offering guidance, monitoring progress, and helping graduates gain the competencies needed for becoming Chartered Members.

"The mentor will have regular meetings with the trainee, typically at least every three months,” says Weightman. “They provide advice on how or where to obtain experience not yet gained and help with the Competence and Commitment (C&C) report and preparation for the Professional Review interview.”
Horgan emphasises the value of this. “Throughout my time at Kent, I’ve received consistent support from my ACTS mentor, who is readily available whenever I need guidance, especially as I work toward Chartership. Regular check-ins with my mentor have provided valuable direction.”

Unique opportunities

IChemE accredited schemes often provide diverse opportunities for growth, with Horgan recounting a standout experience.

“A personal highlight was a three-month secondment to Kent’s Saudi Arabia office, which included three weeks on-site supporting pipeline construction. This enriching experience gave me hands-on exposure to the construction and execution phases of projects, allowing me to bring more practical insights to the concept phases of the projects I typically work on."

Such opportunities not only enhance technical expertise but also broaden cultural and operational perspectives, making graduates well-rounded professionals.

A competitive advantage

As Weightman observes, Chartered applicants from an IChemE-accredited scheme are more likely to produce a stronger application at the first attempt. ACTS trainees benefit from tailored guidance at every step of the journey, ensuring their applications showcase their competencies effectively – a real competitive edge.

Investing in your future

For graduate engineers, joining an IChemE accredited company training scheme is a strategic decision. These schemes combine structured learning, real-world responsibility, and expert mentorship to provide a comprehensive foundation for a successful career.

By choosing an IChemE accredited employer, you’re embarking on a journey toward professional excellence and a fulfilling career in chemical engineering, as Horgan concludes.

“The scheme’s structure and support have been instrumental in my development, enabling me to grow as an engineer and work toward Chartered Membership with confidence.”

Ready to kickstart your engineering career?

Explore the list of ACTS providers and find the right fit for your journey. Visit our Accredited Company Training Schemes page to learn more!

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