Chemical laboratory technicians work with chemists and chemical engineers to develop, produce, sell and utilize chemical and related products and equipment.
They set up and conduct tests on products or processes being developed or improved. They measure reactions, analyse results and carefully record data from these tests and experiments.
Some technicians assist with design, equipment installation, and training or supervision of operators on the production line. Others test materials, production processes and final products to make sure they meet specifications and quality standards. A few technicians work as sales personnel.
Areas of specialisation include:
- Analytical chemistry
- Polymer technology
- Food processing
- Medicines
- Research
- Production control
- Quality control.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy detailed work
- accurate and careful
- think creatively
- work well without supervision
- able to communicate clearly both in speech and in writing
- safety-conscious
How to Enter
Schooling & School Subjects
National Senior Certificate for a diploma course
What to Study
Degree: BTech can be obtained at UNISA
Diploma: CPUT, DUT, TUT and VUT
Employment
- chemical manufacturers and other industries, such as: petroleum refining, synthetic fuel manufacture, food processing, brewing, minerals processing, paper and pulp, pollution control, manufacture of synthetic fibres, fertilisers and explosives
- such organisations as: CSIR, AECI, Eskom, Sasol, NECSA, Sentrachem
- Uranium Enrichment Corporation
- Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek)
- government departments and non-profit organisations
- educational institutions
Further Information
South African Chemical Institute
School of Chemistry
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag X3
Wits, 2050
Tel: (011) 717-6705
www.saci.co.za
Getting Started
- take courses that will provide laboratory experience
- look for part-time or vacation work as a laboratory aide in a chemical laboratory
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