Process Technology

This Apprenticeship covers a range of occupations in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petro-chemical manufacturing and refining industries.

These industries produce many of life’s necessities – the chemicals industry makes products like pharmaceuticals, soaps and toiletries while the petroleum refining industry is responsible for turning crude oil into fuels and lubricants.

Apprentices could find themselves working in a variety of roles that aid production. As a process operator or technician, you would start up, control, monitor and shut down the systems and machinery involved in production. As a maintenance technician, you would keep the equipment in good working order; and as a laboratory assistant or technician, you would provide analytical support for production by testing samples and ensuring quality assurance. If you chose to work in refinery operations, you would monitor and assist in the production of petroleum products.

The Advanced Apprenticeship offers further pathways in four major areas of industry: oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum. Depending on the pathway you choose, you could be working on an oil-rig or in a laboratory.

The industry depends on scientific research, and IT skills are also important.