Looking to make it as a chemical engineer? If you’re eager to enter this exciting field but are unsure of how to do it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about becoming a chemical engineer in South Africa.
Career Overview
A chemical engineer is like a professional problem solver who uses chemistry, physics, math and engineering to create and improve how things are made. They work on lots of different tasks in industries, like making chemicals and medicines, refining oil and producing energy.
Their main goal is to figure out smart ways to change raw stuff into valuable things on a big scale. They study how things behave, come up with plans for making them, and make sure everything is safe and doesn’t harm the environment. Chemical engineers also fix problems in processes that are already running, so things work better and cost less.
In college or university, chemical engineering students learn about heat, how liquids and gases move, reactions, and controlling processes. They practice in labs and internships to get ready for real jobs. These engineers make life better by creating new stuff and making things work smoother using science and smarts.
Required School Subjects
You will need to have completed the following subjects at high school:
- Mathematics
- Physical sciences
- English
Recommended subjects:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
- Technology
Institution and APS
The following institutions are recommended for studies in engineering:
- University of Johannesburg – APS of 30+ with 60% for pure mathematics; 60% for physical science and passing NBT
- University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) – APS of 33+ with 65% for pure mathematics and physical science
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – APS of 42+ with 70% in pure mathematics and physical science
Required Qualification/s
To become a qualified chemical engineer in South Africa, you typically need the following qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering: This is the foundational qualification. You’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree programme in Chemical Engineering, usually a four-year course of study. This program covers a wide range of subjects related to chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering principles.
Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA): After completing your degree, you’ll need to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Candidate Engineer. This involves submitting your academic qualifications and completing a certain amount of practical work under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
Completion of Professional Competence Assessment (Pr.Eng) Examination: To become a fully-fledged professional engineer, you’ll need to pass the Pr.Eng examination conducted by ECSA. This involves demonstrating your competence and understanding of engineering principles.
Practical Work Experience: Before you can qualify as a professional engineer, you’ll need to gain practical work experience in the field. This experience is usually obtained through internships, co-op programmes and entry-level engineering positions.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Once you’re registered as a professional engineer, you’ll need to engage in ongoing professional development activities to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. This could involve attending workshops, seminars and training programmes.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures might vary depending on the university you attend, the institution offering the engineering programme, and any changes in regulations. Always make sure to verify the requirements with the relevant engineering authorities and institutions in South Africa.
Required Skills
You will need to have the following traits in order to succeed as a chemical engineer:
Problem-solving: Chemical engineers need strong problem-solving skills to identify issues in processes and come up with effective solutions. This involves analyzing data, conducting experiments and troubleshooting to ensure things run smoothly.
Analytical thinking: Being able to analyse complex data and situations is crucial. Chemical engineers must interpret experimental results, assess the efficiency of processes and make informed decisions based on data.
Mathematical aptitude: Mathematics is at the core of engineering. Chemical engineers use mathematical concepts to model and optimise processes, calculate quantities and solve equations.
Scientific curiosity: A natural curiosity about how things work and a desire to understand scientific principles are important traits. Chemical engineers are always exploring new ways to improve processes and create innovative solutions.
Attention to Detail: Precision matters in chemical engineering. Small variations can have significant effects on outcomes. Paying attention to details ensures safety, quality and efficiency.
Communication skills: Chemical engineers work in teams and need to communicate ideas and findings effectively. Whether writing reports, giving presentations or collaborating with colleagues, clear communication is key.
Technical proficiency: Proficiency with engineering software and tools is essential. Chemical engineers use computer simulations, modeling software and other technical tools to design and analyse processes.
Safety consciousness: Safety is a top priority in chemical engineering due to the potentially hazardous nature of the materials and processes involved. Engineers must be vigilant and follow safety protocols.
Environmental awareness: Given the growing emphasis on sustainability, chemical engineers in South Africa should have an understanding of environmentally friendly practices and regulations.
Adaptability: The field of chemical engineering is constantly evolving. Engineers need to stay updated with new technologies, methods and regulations and be adaptable to changes.
Project management: Chemical engineers often work on projects that involve multiple stages and tasks. Good project management skills help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Teamwork: Collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and professionals is common in the field. Being a team player and working well with others is essential.
Remember that these skills can be developed over time, through education, experience and continuous learning. They play a vital role in making a successful and impactful career as a chemical engineer in South Africa.
Where you can work
You will usually find yourself working in one of the following spaces in the industry:
- chemical manufacturers
- council for mineral technology
- government departments and universities
- organisations such as CSIR, Eskom, AECI, Sasol, AEC
Working Hours
The working hours of chemical engineers in South Africa can vary based on the specific industry, company and role they are in. Generally, chemical engineers work standard full-time hours, which typically range from 40 to 45 hours per week.
Expected Salary
In terms of salary, chemical engineers get paid approximately R345,034 per year or +-28,752 a month.
What to expect
Here are a few things to be aware of that come with a career as a chemical engineer. You will have to:
- solve difficult problems
- keep up with chemical advances
- possibly endure long hours for demanding projects
- possibly have to work in remote areas in order to find employment
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