Apprenticeships are an attractive option as students can "earn while they learn" and be in full-time employment, getting hands-on with a job while studying for a qualification. Reducing the financial burden and increasing the prospect of a secure job at the end of an apprenticeship makes the apprenticeship route a solid choice. Apprenticeships are open to 16 year-olds and 18 year-olds and older. An alternative is the university route to study chemical engineering from 18 years of age. Some students are choosing from a growing range of degree apprenticeships.

We've curated a section about apprenticeship routes into chemical and process engineering, including a recording of a webinar held in February 2025. You'll find information about degree apprenticeships and read about some working process engineers who have undertaken a degree apprenticeship in this article Degree Apprenticeships A Working Pathway for Students and Employers.