Chemical Technical Professionals

The chemical industry needs qualified chemical technical professionals, trained to meet the demands of industry. These STEM positions play a vital role in the US economy and there is great demand for them.
And yet, there is a great shortage of qualified professionals.

3.4 million

unfilled skilled technical jobs expected by end of 2022

1 in 9 jobs

in STEM fields do not require a bachelor’s degree

336,000

chemical technical professionals employed in chemical production in 2021

Fostering technical professionals in chemistry

Inspired by the recommendations set by the National Science Boards’ 2019 report, “The Skilled Technical Workforce”, ACS launched a strategic initiative which takes a two-pronged approach to recruit and engage a diverse group of students and potential employees.

The initiative provides support to students, educators, and advisors with accurate information about chemical technical professionals education and training. It also provides guidance to build and maintain partnerships between industry and educational institutions to connect students to real world opportunities and employers to professionals with the right skill set.

Learn about ACS’s Strategic Initiative

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The pivotal role that academic institutions and educators can play

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Raise awareness about technical opportunities in chemistry

Educators can play a vital role to expose their students to career opportunities and alternative educational paths that these STEM positions require. Incorporate materials from the resources toolkit in the classroom to share with your students.

Educator Resources Toolkit

Build partnerships between academia and industry

Academic institutions, in collaboration with business and industry, can develop programs and curricula that prepare the future chemical technical professionals to meet the demands of industry.

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