IChemE virtual work experience inspires 6,700 future chemical engineers

NEARLY 7,000 young people have explored a career in chemical engineering through IChemE’s Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) programme, with many saying it has helped shape their decision to pursue chemical engineering at university.

Launched in partnership with Springpod in September 2024 and designed to challenge misconceptions about the profession, the online course blends quizzes, interactive content and live engagement with practising engineers. Students also tackle a real-world mini project, or “sprint”, created by a process engineer working in the energy sector.

More than 50 IChemE members have supported the initiative by contributing case studies, recording webinars and volunteering as Ambassadors. Among them is Cleo Parker, chair of IChemE’s National Early Careers Group, who says the response from students has been striking.

“Being an ambassador for IChemE’s virtual work experience programme has been a fantastic opportunity and I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment. It’s been inspiring to see young people engage so enthusiastically with chemical engineering and I’m confident that experiences like this will encourage even more of them to explore the exciting possibilities our profession offers.”

That enthusiasm is reflected in the numbers. Since launch, 6,700 students from 1,751 schools and colleges have enrolled, spending an average of 3.4 hours on the platform and awarding it an overall rating of more than 8 out of 10. Between September 2025 and January 2026 alone, 1,205 students signed up.

Importantly, the programme is reaching a broad and diverse audience. Of those enrolled, 44% identify as female, 31% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 25% would be the first in their family likely to attend university.

Making an impact

Students frequently describe the experience as “eye-opening”, particularly in revealing the breadth of sectors where chemical engineers make an impact – from energy and water to pharmaceuticals, food and sustainability.

One participant said: “It has truly sparked my interest in further pursuing chemical engineering at university. It gave me valuable insight into the different fields and exciting career paths available.”

Another added: “After this course, I am completely sure that chemical engineering is a career I want to pursue – it has inspired me and helped shape my future goals.”

Jo Badge, IChemE’s head of young people’s and student engagement, said: “The Virtual Work Experience programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get to explore the breadth of careers in different industries in chemical and process engineering. It is encouraging to see a diverse range of young people finding real value in the programme, to the point that admissions tutors are reporting that it is being referenced in personal statements for undergraduate university applications.”

The programme’s rollout comes alongside a 16% increase in UCAS applications to chemical engineering courses in 2025, including a 15% rise among female applicants. Since 2022, applications have increased by 47% overall – growth IChemE says reflects the impact of its wider young people’s engagement activity.