The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has launched a new professional development course designed to strengthen project management skills within the chemical and process industries. The training, titled “Project Management in the Chemical and Process Industries,” is specifically tailored for engineers in these sectors.
The course aims to bridge the gap between technical expertise and effective project leadership, providing engineers with practical tools and approaches to manage complex technical projects. It covers the full project lifecycle, including planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, cost estimation, and procurement.
The programme was developed by experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the industry. Laurie Bowman, the course trainer, said: “What sets this course apart is its focus on the real-world challenges rooted in chemical and process industry projects, integrating technical, commercial, and human factors into a truly holistic approach. Participants don’t just learn project management theory; they actively apply it through interactive exercises, gaining insights that they can put into practice immediately. By the end, they leave not only with new skills, but also with a renewed confidence to lead projects that deliver real value for their organisations.”
Pilots and Future Rollout
The course was piloted in Brisbane, Australia, in July and received positive feedback from attendees. Danesh Fanayan, Lead Process Engineer for Ampol Australia, said: “I am definitely implementing some of the things that I’ve learned. To start with that would be risk management. I think if project risk management is done well, a lot of problems would be well managed as the project progresses.”
Danie Prince, Lead Process Engineer for Kent Australia, added: “I would recommend this course to anyone who is leading a team or even project engineers running small projects or even larger projects. It helps participants to see what is out there in project management – to see if there’s an appetite for them to move into that direction.”
The new course is available as a live face-to-face option and a modular online course in both the UK and Australia. It can also be delivered as an in-company course, with content customised to the specific needs of an organisation. The next UK course is scheduled for 17th November in Rugby, with an online option available from 24th November.
