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Chemical scientists > Chemist
Science and research
Chemists study chemicals and materials and how they behave under different conditions.
You'll usually need a degree qualification to become a chemist. Subjects include:
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.
You'll need:
Depending on your role, you could:
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).
Astronauts fly spacecraft and do experiments in space.
Education technicians support science, art, IT or design and technology teachers by preparing equipment and materials for practical lessons.
Nanotechnologists design, create and manipulate materials on a tiny scale.
Sports scientists use knowledge of how the body works to help people improve their health or sporting ability.
Biochemists investigate the chemical processes that take place inside all living things, from viruses and bacteria to people.
Laboratory technicians support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations.
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!
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!
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.
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
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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