What to expect from a career in Chemical Production
The chemical industry is on the leading edge of exciting research and new developments. Chemical technicians and technologists are in constant demand due to the number of industries in which they play an important role. Ontario college chemical production programs provide you with the technical and practical skills needed to find a career in chemical production, analysis and research.
If you enjoy science and have an interest in chemical engineering and chemical laboratory science, here’s what you need to know.
Chemical Production Courses
Chemical production programs generally fall into one of two categories:
- Chemical Engineering. Chemical engineering programs teach the fundamentals of industrial processes, microbiology and organic and analytical chemistry, with hands-on training in chemical instrumentation techniques, computer applications and more.
- Chemical Laboratory. Chemical laboratory programs emphasize chemical analysis in the laboratory environment. Training will focus on chemical sample preparation, sample analysis, experimentation protocol and other laboratory procedures and techniques.
Both chemical engineering and chemical laboratory programs are available at the technician and technology levels. While both types of programs emphasize the development of fundamental lab skills through hands-on experimentation, three-year technology programs typically use the additional year to focus on a specialized area of chemical engineering or laboratory work, such as environmental or pharmaceutical science.
General Chemical Production Program Requirements
Chemical production programs at Ontario colleges typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Senior math and science credits are also usually required but will vary by program.
Chemical Production Jobs and Salaries
Graduates of chemical production programs will fill roles in a variety of settings, from research labs and government agencies to educational institutions, manufacturing companies and much more. Industries of employment may include (but aren’t limited to):
- Pharmaceuticals
- Mining and forestry
- Environmental protection and energy
- Food science
- Plastics
Job focuses will vary depending on the industry, but often include quality control and assurance, production, statistical and sample analysis and research and development.
Chemical engineering and chemical laboratory technicians / technologists have average starting salaries between $26,000 and $35,000 per year, with laboratory technicians at the lower end and engineering technologists at the higher end.
Ontario Colleges Offering Chemical Production Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of chemical production programs at Ontario colleges.
Current Filters: