Opening up vocational routes into IChemE
IChemE is opening up vocational routes for technicians and operators. Deborah Darnell updates on what has been achieved so far – and what is coming next
ICHEME has launched a new membership band for technicians and operators who are learning on the job. Those enrolled gain access to resources and guidance – including support to progress to EngTech and beyond – making it easier to combine work with structured training and career development.
To become a Work-based Learner member, you should:
- be in employment while completing a formal training programme
- not have been an IChemE member before
- progress to a different membership grade once your training is complete
Supporting technicians in higher education
We’re also backing the Technician Commitment, a UK initiative aimed at improving visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technical staff in universities and research institutes. IChemE is exploring how best to support the technician community to ensure the community is supported in line with the key pillars.
Key pillars of the technician commitment
- Visibility: Ensure all technicians within the organisation are identifiable and that the contribution of technicians is visible within and beyond the Institution
- Recognition: Support technicians to gain recognition through professional registration and external awards schemes
- Career development: Enable career progression opportunities for technicians through the provision of clear, documented career pathways
- Sustainability: Ensure the future sustainability of technical skills across the organisation and that technical expertise is fully utilised
Engtech registration
After revisiting our EngTech offering, we’ve simplified the process. A pilot with 15 technicians and operators is underway, with a full relaunch expected towards the end of Q2.
This registration is linked to Technician membership of IChemE and, like Chartership, benchmarks candidates assessing both knowledge and practical competency. It is pitched at a level 3 (equivalent to A-level), but applicants do not need formal qualifications, just evidence of working at this level. To make the benefits clear, here’s what the new EngTech registration offers:
For candidates:
- an opportunity to benchmark and demonstrate their capabilities
- internationally recognised post-nominals: EngTech, TIChemE
- access to IChemE membership benefits
For employers:
- recognition of technicians’ contribution, improving retention
- assurance that technicians meet professional standards
- CPD support and access to IChemE webinars and training
Level 6 degree apprenticeships
Teesside University is on its second cohort of Level 6 degree apprentices. This autumn, both Blackpool and Fylde College (with Lancaster University) and Greenwich University are also launching programmes, for which they are seeking IChemE accreditation. With growth in hydrogen, nuclear and defence sectors, we expect more companies to take on apprentices at all levels, creating opportunities for the next generation of chemical and process engineers.
If your company employs or trains apprentices and technicians and you’d like to find out more about how IChemE can support them with their career aspirations in process and chemical engineering, please contact me at ddarnell@icheme.org
Deborah Darnell is a regional engagement manager at IChemE focusing on technical, vocational and sector development
Recent Editions
Catch up on the latest news, views and jobs from The Chemical Engineer. Below are the four latest issues. View a wider selection of the archive from within the Magazine section of this site.
