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Chemist apprenticeships

Chemical scientists > Chemist

Science and research

Chemist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role


    • University

    You'll usually need a degree qualification to become a chemist. Subjects include:

    • chemistry 
    • applied or analytical chemistry 
    • biochemistry 
    As well as a degree, many employers will also want you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification. Some universities offer an extended degree which leads directly to a postgraduate qualification like an MChem or MSci. These courses have more independent research and can lead directly into professional practice or further postgraduate study.

    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including chemistry. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study. 

    Apprenticeship
    The following Apprenticeships may be relevant to this role: 

    • Level 5 Technician scientist 
    • Level 6 Laboratory scientist 
    • Level 7 Research scientist
    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent. 

    Work
    You could start your career as a laboratory technician and train as a chemist while working by doing a relevant qualification. Laboratory experience would be useful for this career. 

    Professional and industry bodies
    Depending on the level and content, some degrees and Apprenticeships will help you to apply for registered Scientist or Chartered Chemist status. Check with the qualification provider, the Science Council or the Royal Society of Chemistry.

    Chemist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals 
    • maths knowledge 
    • science skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • complex problem-solving skills
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Chemist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Depending on your role, you could: 

    • invent and develop new medicines and products 
    • investigate environmental issues 
    • diagnose and treat illness and disease
    • analyse forensic evidence 
    • teach, lecture and carry out academic research 
    In your day-to-day tasks you could: 

    • design and conduct laboratory experiments 
    • make observations and note results
    • write reports and present your findings 
    • supervise the work of support staff such as laboratory technicians 
    • carry out other project administrative work
    Working environment
    You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Chemist apprenticeships

    You'll usually be able to find work with a wide range of employers including the NHS, public health laboratories, research institutes and government agencies. As a chemist working in industry, you could be involved in research and development, patent work, health and safety or forensic science. You could also move into teaching or a career in the media. As an experienced chemist you could work towards chartered status like Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci).

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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