Education · 1 of 4

The path

Short, cheap and practical. You are hired on what you can actually do at a bench.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Chemistry and math are the entry requirements at most colleges. Grade 12 English too.

2. 2

   College diploma

   2 years

   Two years, four semesters, in a chemical laboratory technician or chemical sciences program. Half your hours are in a lab.

3. 3

   Co-op or field placement

   Most programs include one. It is the main way graduates get hired.

4. 4

   First job

   Year 1

   Analyst at a testing lab, water plant, food plant or research group. Your first year is learning the instruments and the documentation properly.

5. 5

   Certify or specialise

   After 2 to 3 years

   Apply for technician certification, or train on a specific instrument to become the person who owns it.