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.
The pivotal role that academic institutions and educators can play
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.
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.
Featured Programs
These are a few of the programs that prepare students for careers as skilled technical professionals.
What do chemical technical professionals do?
Learn about a day in the life of chemical technical professionals in the field.
