Closing the Chemical Industry Skills Gap

Jonathan Vincent, outgoing chair of ChemTalent, shares insights from the network’s first annual survey, revealing early-career views on the industry’s skills gap – and what industry, education and government should do about it

THE UK’s chemical industry is at a turning point. As we move toward 2050 and net zero, the demand for skilled professionals is rising – and so is the risk of shortage. The inaugural 2024 ChemTalent Survey – launched by a network of early career professionals from across the UK’s chemical and pharmaceutical businesses – reveals a widening skills gap that could stall progress in innovation, sustainability and growth. Bridging this divide will require coordinated action across industry, education and government.

Defining the skills gap

So, what do we mean by a “skills gap”? In the context of the survey, it’s the widening chasm between the number of skilled roles that the industry will require over the coming decades – particularly considering emerging technologies and sustainability targets – and the number of trained individuals entering the field to fill them. 

There is a dual challenge at play. Firstly, the retirement of experienced professionals is accelerating, often without structured knowledge transfer in place. Secondly, the influx of new talent is not large enough or prepared enough to replace this expertise. The result? Knowledge gaps, recruitment challenges and project delays due to limited skilled capacity.

According to the ChemTalent survey, 80% of respondents expressed concern about the gap in technical and transferable skills between seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers. A further 58% identified the skills gap as the most urgent issue facing the sector, ahead even of sustainability and energy costs. 

A sector in transition

There is no doubt that the chemical industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Digitalisation, automation and the drive toward green technologies are redefining the skills we need. Jobs now demand not only core process knowledge, but also data fluency, systems thinking and adaptability. 

Yet, only a fraction of early-career professionals feel equipped. Many cited a lack of practical exposure during their studies and limited access to quality placements or apprenticeships. A striking 67.4% of respondents said they had a more positive perception (50% “more positive” with 17.4% “much more positive”) of the industry after joining – but imagine the talent we could attract if perceptions were better before they entered. 

While concerns around development, pay and inclusion reflect broader workforce trends across many sectors, the chemical industry has a particular opportunity to lead by example, especially given its central role in innovation, sustainability and societal impact. 

A blueprint for action

To close the skills gap, industry and government must act on multiple fronts. In the full ChemTalent report (https://bit.ly/chemtalent-survey-2024), we outline several key recommendations, shaped directly by the experiences of survey participants. These include: 

Strengthening education-to-industry pathways

We need more industrial placements, better integration of practical skills in university curricula and reform of the school science curriculum to reflect real-world application. Collaborations between companies and educational institutions should be incentivised to develop job-ready graduates. 

Investing in upskilling and lifelong learning

Employers must invest in training – not just for early-career staff, but for the existing workforce navigating new technologies. Short courses in areas like automation and data science can help bridge gaps efficiently.