BASF is seeking applicants for a new apprenticeship program at its Seneca, South Carolina facility. The program is part of the company’s North American Apprenticeship Development Program (NAADP), which aims to meet future talent needs for a skilled and diverse technician workforce with an emphasis on attracting more females to these roles.
“The apprenticeship program provides opportunities for people in Oconee County and the greater Upstate Area to launch and grow meaningful careers,” says Elba Lizardi, site director of BASF’s site in Seneca. “As a woman with a very rewarding career in manufacturing, I hope that this program opens doors for people who are looking for fulfilling careers, especially women who may not have previously considered manufacturing as an option.”
The 12-month apprenticeship program in South Carolina pays apprentices a full-time wage to participate in on-the-job training while earning a certificate in process technology from Tri-County Technical College. In addition to paying a competitive wage, BASF offers benefits and covers the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with the certificate program. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions.
“At Tri-County, we promote economic diversity and prosperity in the communities we serve, and we measure our success by our ability to ensure students earn a high-quality credential that leads to a family-sustaining wage,” says Bryan Manuel, dean of integrated workforce solutions at Tri-County Technical College. “Research shows that a college credential leads to better paying jobs and greater job security. By working together with local businesses like BASF, we can ensure our business and industry partners have access to a skilled and competent workforce while providing their employees with access to the resources and opportunities of the technical college system.”
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, which ensures that employees are prepared and certified to produce at the highest skill levels required.
“The ideal candidate for our apprenticeship program is one who has a passion to learn and grow, with the motivation, dedication and drive to succeed,” says Dr. Susan Emmerich, BASF’s NAADP project implementation manager. “No manufacturing experience is necessary to be considered for the program, but an innate curiosity to understand the way things work, desire to work collaboratively, and willingness to learn from experienced technicians are the foundation for success.”
BASF is partnering with the National Association of Manufacturers to host an event, “Expanding Opportunities Through Apprenticeships” at 12 p.m. on April 8. The event will provide additional information on careers in manufacturing, paint a picture of a day in the life at BASF in Seneca, explain what to expect from an apprenticeship and detail how the apprenticeship program can help participants avoid college debt while developing career opportunities.
For more information, visit: www.basf.com