Pathways, experience and progression: Key themes from the September Employer Partner networking lunch

The September Employer and Education Partner networking lunch brought together representatives from industry, academia and the profession to explore how chemical engineering can attract, develop and retain future talent. Discussions focused on pathways into the profession, graduate readiness and strengthening collaboration between employers, universities and IChemE.

A recurring theme was that chemical engineering already offers a range of routes into and through the profession, including university education, apprenticeships, operator progression and professional registration. However, participants highlighted that awareness and understanding of these pathways remains inconsistent, making it harder for individuals to navigate career and development opportunities.

Industrial experience was consistently identified as one of the most effective ways of developing workplace readiness and helping individuals understand the profession. Placements, internships, mentoring and employer engagement activities were all highlighted as valuable opportunities to connect academic learning with professional practice, although employers discussed the growing challenges of providing these opportunities at scale.

These themes have helped shape the focus of the next Employer and Education Partner networking lunch on 10 December 2026 at the National Railway Museum, York, alongside the IChemE Global Awards. The session, The Missing Middle: What Happens After Chartership?, will explore the opportunities and challenges facing mid-career chemical engineers and consider how IChemE can support professional development, career progression and professional identity beyond the early career stage.

Register for the December meeting: Employer and Education Partner Networking Lunch

Read the full report from the September meeting: IChemE Partner Report September 2026