Chemical Engineer Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Designs and prepares specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants, and supervises industrial processing, fabrication and manufacturing of products undergoing physical and chemical changes and related technologies.
What does a Chemical Engineer do?
A Chemical Engineer designs chemical process systems and prepares the specifications needed to build and operate large-scale chemical plants. The work involves overseeing industrial processing, fabrication and manufacturing where products undergo physical or chemical changes. Chemical Engineers may focus on areas such as biochemical engineering, food processing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, cosmetics, glass and ceramics, or heat transfer.
Specialisations
How to become a Chemical Engineer in South Africa
- Build a strong foundation in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English at school, while developing an interest in how materials and chemical processes are transformed on an industrial scale.
- Explore relevant technical training pathways, including Chemical Operations: Engineering and chemical-related programmes in electrical engineering, engineering fabrication, pipe-fitting and turning or machining.
- Compare the focus of each pathway with your career goals, particularly if you are interested in plant design, processing, fabrication or a specialised field such as pharmaceuticals or petrochemicals.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited provider before enrolling.
- Develop practical understanding of chemical process systems, industrial plant operations and the preparation of technical specifications through relevant training and supervised work exposure.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
This career suits people interested in applying engineering principles to large-scale chemical and manufacturing processes. Preparation should combine strong numerical and scientific foundations with an understanding of how process systems are designed, specified and operated. The listed training pathways include both chemical operations and technical areas such as fabrication, pipe-fitting, turning and electrical engineering, so the best choice depends on the type of work you want to pursue. Confirm current requirements and progression options with an accredited provider or relevant official body.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- English
- Computer Applications Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
Skills that may help
- Designing chemical process systems
- Preparing technical specifications
- Understanding physical and chemical changes in industrial processes
- Planning and overseeing plant construction and operation
- Supervising industrial processing, fabrication and manufacturing
- Problem-solving
- Technical communication
- Attention to detail