IChemE survey highlights alarm over process industry skills gap
7 Apr 2026
An IChemE member employment survey has highlighted extensive concern among respondents about both training and access to new recruits.
Nearly half of respondents (45%) noted technical skills shortages specific to their sector, while 40% of employer respondents mentioned a lack of mid-career candidates and 22% complained the sector suffered from a lack of awareness among young people.
In a statement the IChemE said: “Chemical, process and biochemical engineering directly underpin key industrial sectors, from cleantech and sustainability to advanced manufacturing and defence.
“[This means] investing to fill the sectors’ skills gaps now will have positive knock-on effects throughout the industrial landscape. Likewise, overcoming recruitment challenges experienced across the sector will provide long-term stability across the sector and drive future growth.”
The survey polled 2,503 IChemE members and 875 employers between November and December 2025, with participants drawn from all career levels.
“The skills needed across the sector are extremely diverse, covering areas from modelling and simulation, sustainability skills, process design, to process safety and beyond,” explained CEO Yvonne Baker. “It is also clear from the survey that the industry expects to see an even greater shift towards sustainability in the future, with net zero, the circular economy and sustainable processes driving meaningful change.
“Digital transformation is also a key area for future skills with AI, machine learning and automation all cited as areas for development,” continued Baker.
The full report can be viewed here.
The organisation has also launched an inquiry into the state of chemical engineering research in the UK, headed by its president Raffaella Ocone.
It stated it would “examine the strength, direction and long-term sustainability of the UK’s research base at a time of increasing economic, environmental and geopolitical pressure”.
Industry, government and academia will be surveyed as to what degree research aligns with national priorities such as the new Industrial Strategy.
Funding, talent pipelines and collaboration will also be investigated.
Submissions are invited by 23:59 on Friday 1 May and should be forwarded for consideration to policy@icheme.org. .
Said IChemE president Raffaela Ocone (pictured): “Insights gathered will help shape a more resilient, impactful and internationally competitive chemical engineering research ecosystem, culminating in a report with key findings and recommendations for the sector.”
