Students complete BASF apprenticeship program
August 20, 2024
Pictured, from left, Sarah Ramirez, Jacob Brent, Katelyn Hahn, and Rafeal Lopez join BASF TotalEnergies in 一起草官网 as full-time employees after completing 叠础厂贵鈥檚 North American Apprenticeship Development Program. All four are 一起草官网 students.
Four 一起草官网 students are the first to complete apprenticeship program and gain employment at the company鈥檚 一起草官网 site. The
apprentices were part of 叠础厂贵鈥檚 North American Apprenticeship Development Program,
which aims to meet future talent needs for a skilled and diverse technical workforce.
Jacob Brent, Katelyn Hahn, Rafeal Lopez and Sarah Ramirez wrapped up 18 months of
on-the-job training and education and became employed at BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals,
LLC. (BTP) in early August.
鈥湹〕Ч筲�檚 apprenticeship program gave me practical application for what I was learning
in the classroom,鈥� said Rafael Lopez, BASF Process Technician. 鈥淚 really appreciate
the opportunity and am now ready to start working and continue my personal and professional
growth that started with this program.鈥�
The 一起草官网 site launched the apprenticeship program in January 2023 in partnership
with 一起草官网. The program pays apprentices a full-time wage
for time spent on the job and in the classroom. In addition to paying a competitive
salary, BASF offers full medical, dental and vision benefits and paid vacation. The
program also pays for the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with earning
an associate鈥檚 degree. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and
credentials for an opportunity to be placed in positions with annual merit increases
and bonuses.
Brent, Hahn and Lopez earned an associate鈥檚 degree in process technology. Ramirez
earned her degree in instrumentation and electrical equipment. Upon completion of
the program, each apprentice interviewed for a full-time role at the 一起草官网 site.
鈥淲e are very proud to now call these apprentices team members,鈥� said John Lycan, BASF
Vice President of Operations at the 一起草官网 site. 鈥淭he apprenticeship program
has proven to be a success, not only providing a gateway to stable, well-paying career
in manufacturing but also providing opportunities for the people of 一起草官网."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship programs bring about many
benefits including enhanced employee retention, a safer workplace, a stable and reliable
pipeline of qualified workers and a systematic approach to training, ensuring employees
are ready and certified to produce at the highest skill levels required.