Mid-career shortages and skills gaps top Employment Survey concerns

Judith Hutchinson, head of Member Experience, previews IChemE Employment Survey findings as sustainability and digitalisation reshape the profession

INITIAL insights from IChemE’s 2025 Employment Survey highlight a profession embracing change and preparing for its key role in addressing global challenges. Chemical, biochemical and process engineers are proactively developing new skills to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world, while employers seek innovative ways to attract and retain talent particularly mid-career.

The survey, which ran from November to December 2025 gathered 2,503 member and 875 employer responses. The full report will be published in late February.

Skills development takes centre stage

Nearly 90% of respondents expect to enhance their employability skills through some form of CPD in the next year. Building leadership skills is the top priority (50%), followed by digital and technical skills (42%) and communication and influence (38%). These trends underscore a profession evolving beyond technical excellence, embracing a broader skill set to thrive in a dynamic global environment. When it comes to technical and engineering skills, 79% of respondents expect to develop at least one new competency within the year. The skills members are prioritising are remarkably diverse, reflecting the dynamic nature of the profession, with modelling and simulation, risk assessment, sustainability skills, process design and process safety all cited by around a fifth of respondents.