IChemE launches Skills for Success programme to support the next generation of chemical engineers
2nd September 2026
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has launched Skills for Success, a new professional learning and career development programme designed to help students, work-based learners, recent graduates and early-career engineers build the confidence, skills and professional connections they need to thrive in chemical, biochemical and process engineering.
The programme brings together career support, mentoring opportunities, employability training and professional development resources in one accessible offer for IChemE members. It has been developed in response to needs identified by employers and emerging professionals, with a focus on the transferable skills that complement education, including communication, networking, career planning, problem solving and ongoing professional development.
A dedicated online hub now provides access to mentoring, career resources, job search support, continuing professional development (CPD) guidance, career stories and opportunities to connect with the wider chemical engineering community.
Dr Jo Badge, IChemE’s Head of Young People’s and Student Engagement, said: “Skills for Success is about giving emerging chemical engineers practical support at the moments when it can make the greatest difference. By bringing together mentoring, career guidance and professional development opportunities, we want to help members feel confident, connected and ready to take their next step.”
First Skills for Success webinars announced
The programme will begin this autumn with a series of practical, career-focused webinars, available exclusively to IChemE members.
- Creating Career Opportunities: How to Build Your Reputation Online takes place on 2 September 2026. The session will explore how an authentic online presence can support career ambitions, help participants build confidence in sharing their professional journey and demonstrate how professional networking can create new opportunities. Leadership and career coach Jacqui Jagger and final-year chemical engineering student Cody Brown will share practical insights and personal experiences.
- Skills for Success: Interview Techniques takes place on 7 October 2026. Recruitment specialist Lee Knowles will draw on his experience recruiting chemical engineers to provide practical guidance on interview preparation, interview techniques, making a strong first impression and understanding the current job market. The session will also explore the role of AI in recruitment and how candidates can prepare effectively for modern hiring processes.
The webinars mark the first phase of a wider programme that will continue to grow, with further webinars, mentoring opportunities, written resources and professional development support planned throughout 2026 and beyond.
Members are encouraged to share Skills for Success
IChemE is encouraging members who work with students, work-based learners, placement students, graduate engineers and early-career colleagues to share Skills for Success with those who could benefit from the programme, including:
- Chemical engineering undergraduates
- Work-based learners and apprentices
- Placement students
- Recent graduates
- Early-career engineers
By helping to promote Skills for Success, members can support emerging chemical engineers to access the guidance, networks and career development opportunities available through IChemE membership.
Find out more and get started: Visit the Skills for Success hub
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.