How does the chemical sector work?

Some businesses work directly with chemicals to make new and improved materials and goods; other organisations process chemicals for other people to make an end product.

Either way, chemicals impact our daily lives, and you could be part of shaping our world through science. Your work could genuinely make a difference to thousands, if not millions, of people’s lives.

Petroleum, plastics, adhesives, cosmetics, toiletries, and soaps are all materials that can change dramatically depending on how they’re made. Small changes in chemicals could make an engine drive further, plastics decompose quicker, or glues even stickier!

Latest trends in the chemical industry

Two areas are keeping the chemical sector especially busy: new digital technologies and achieving net-zero (balancing the carbon dioxide put into the atmosphere through everyday activities with the amount removed from it).

The chemical sector provides many of the materials and technologies needed to help these areas, but it urgently needs highly skilled staff to understand these complex fields.

Forward-looking chemical businesses are already beginning to tackle climate change, so just think. You could work with other young people and influencers to inspire future generations.

However, remember it’s not all lab coats!

Alongside scientists, the chemical sector also needs skills in:

• data analysis,
• new technologies,
• health and safety,
• leadership,
• HR and change management,
• engineering,
• design and artworking,
• research and development… and much more!