Role Profile

Process Technician

Typical job description:

Process technicians are involved in the manufacture of a huge range of products and chemicals, including aromatics, aliphatics, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food and drink and artificial fibres. Supporting the work of chemical engineers, technicians can be employed in any area of process engineering such as plant modification and operations.

Key Processes:

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:

  • prepare to start up a process
  • start up a process
  • monitor a process and resolve problems
  • shutdown a process
  • prepare the work area for maintenance
  • carry out routine maintenance operations
  • reinstate the work area after maintenance
  • clean and prepare complex items of plant and equipment for production
  • sample and test materials

Entry Level:

L2 S/NVQ in Process Operations OR
L2 S/NVQ in Process Engineering Maintenance OR
Higher Diploma in Engineering / Manufacturing & Product Design OR
5 A-C Grade GCSEs / 5 SCEs at Credit Standard Grade OR
L2 Certificate in Process Technology Or
L2 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills OR
L2 First Certificate in Applied Science OR
L2 First Diploma in Applied Science OR
L2 National Certificate in Science
QCF Quals

Search for related degrees or courses:
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Pay and conditions:

Process Technicians can expect to earn between 14,000GBP and 28,000GBP.

Working hours can vary for Technicians. In large industrial complexes they may work rotating 24/7 shifts. Others may work 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday in smaller batch companies.

Process technicians may need to wear protective clothing such as overalls, gloves, hard hat and safety goggles depending on the role.

Industry Standard:

L3 S/NVQ in Process Operations
L3 Certificate in Process Technology or similar
Foundation Degree in Engineering (or similar L4)
IOSH Working Safety
Functional / Key / Core Skills - Numeracy, Literacy, IT, Problem Solving and Working with Others L2

Competencies:

  • Efficiency Orientation
  • Team working
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Interpersonal Awareness
  • Concern for Impact
  • Concern for Standards
  • Thoroughness

Knowledge needed for the role:

  • have a good working knowledge of chemistry and maths
  • understand engineering principles
  • essential conformance to safe working through COSHH (Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations)
  • safe operation of a range of plant / machinery, set and adjust controls
  • safe operation of starting up and shutting down of plant and operating machinery
  • awareness of manual response on plant in event of computer failure
  • trouble shooting

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