Chemical technologists and technicians work in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection.
NOC Code:
2211
Job Duties
Chemical technologists and technicians work in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection. You may work for research and development and quality control laboratories; in consulting engineering companies, and in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and other kinds of manufacturing industries, and for utilities, health, education and government organizations. Technologists have more responsibility than technicians.
Generally, chemical technologists and technicians:
- Conduct chemical experiments and tests using chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy.
- Use laboratory equipment; prepare solutions of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations.
- Keep records and interpret the results of experiments.
- Develop programs for sampling and analyzing to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products.
- Help design and build experimental equipment.
Source: HRSDC
Job Requirements
Education
This job requires:
College or University
Experience
This job requires
0 - 2
years of work experience.
Source: HRSDC
Essential Skills
As a chemical technician/technologist, you need to:
- Speak, read and write English.
- Understand and follow analysis procedures.
- Know the properties of different chemicals and substances.
- Use computer-controlled laboratory equipment.
- Understand and follow the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS).
- Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet and email software.
Source: Essential Skills
Language Skills
You need to communicate in person and on the phone with team members. Your team can include other technologists, technicians, engineers and scientists. You may need to enter data into forms.
Labour Market Information
Trends
Now, many employers require certification by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).
Key industries are rubber, plastics and chemical products. These industries are strongly affected by foreign markets. That means that the number of job opportunities is related to the conditions of these financial markets.
Now, computer knowledge is commonly required for this profession because computerized equipment is used for chemical testing and analysis.
Prospects
The work prospects for this job are:
Not Available
Wages
The average hourly wage for this job is: C$21/hour.
Source: HRSDC
Retraining
Educational Programs
These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.
Bridging Programs
Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.
Language Training
Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).
Work Experience Programs
Many college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.
Voluntary Membership Opportunities
Helpful Links
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information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source
for the most up-to-date information.