Information for students at school or college, a parent or teacher
The chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, oil & gas, petrochemicals and polymers industries offer an impressive range of opportunities for careers. Within Cogent industries there are around 19,000 employers who together employ more than 850,000 people.
Demand is high for skilled managers, engineers and technicians, scientists, process operatives and professionals so there are all kinds of ways to be involved in these exciting industries!
In this technology-driven, fast-moving environment the careers are usually well-paid and long-term, with opportunities throughout the UK and often worldwide too. And progress is swift for those who are talented and want to get on. Lifelong learning underpins the industries' approach to training and development, and employers are committed to health and safety and to the environment.
What can I expect from the Cogent Careers website?
The website will tell you about each of the industries and will show the opportunities for starting a career and progressing. Through the website you can learn about the broad types of work within each industry, find out about specific jobs, how different people started out and progressed, the qualities and qualifications you need - in short everything you need to get a feel for working within the Cogent sector.
11-14 year olds
Access all areas
A great game that tests your sleuthing skills in finding out the lowdown on Cogent industries. See how you measure up…Case studies
Video interviews with people who work in Cogent industries. They tell you how they started, how they've progressed, and what they've set their sights on next. Listen to information from people who've been there and are doing it!
14-16 year olds
Access all areas
A great game that tests your sleuthing skills in finding out the lowdown on Cogent industries. See how you measure up…Tell us what you think
It's your opportunity to tell us what you think about our industries. Just answer our questionnaire.Case studies
Video interviews with people who work in Cogent industries. They tell you how they started, how they've progressed, and what they've set their sights on next. Listen to information from people who've been there and are doing it!Industry factsheets
Find out everything you want to know about the different industries within Cogent. An at-a-glance guide, plus facts and figures to help you assess the prospects.
Students 16+
Career Pathways
This section shows potential career moves from starting out right to the top. It also shows how each role relates to others - who's your boss, who are your colleagues, and who you're responsible for. Choose your industry and see how far you can go. From here you can also click to information on the different roles.Role Profiles
These are useful summaries of the typical jobs in each industry. Choose an industry, choose a job, and then find out what your everyday work would be like, what qualities and qualifications you'd need, what the pay and working conditions might be. From here you can also click to information on related courses.Case studies
Video interviews with people who work in Cogent industries. They tell you how they started, how they've progressed, and what they've set their sights on next. Listen to information from people who've been there and are doing it!Courses that could help
Find Further Education courses in your area that could help you on your way. You can also assess your current qualification level by using the Qualifications Calculator.Apprenticeships
A great way to get started in Cogent industries. Find out what's available in your area.Industry factsheets
Find out everything you want to know about the different industries within Cogent. An at-a-glance guide, plus facts and figures to help you assess the prospects.Tell us what you think
It's your opportunity to tell us what you think about our industries. Just answer our questionnaire.