Pictured, left to right, are: Brittany Davis, operations manager; Samuel Blackwell, process technician; and Rob Gagliano, site director
Samuel Blackwell recently became the first person to complete BASF’s apprenticeship program at the company’s Chattanooga site, finishing 12 months of on-the-job training and education. The program is part of BASF’s North American Apprenticeship Development Program, which aims to meet future talent needs for a skilled and diverse technician workforce. Upon completion of the program, Mr. Blackwell was offered and accepted a full-time process technician role at BASF’s Chattanooga site.
“The apprenticeship gave me great insight into manufacturing and provided me the opportunity to connect in-class learning with my job responsibilities,” said Mr. Blackwell. “I appreciate BASF and Chattanooga State Community College for supporting me through this process and I’m excited about beginning my career at BASF.”
BASF launched the apprenticeship program in August 2022 through a partnership with Chattanooga State Community College. 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, paid vacation and covers the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with earning a certificate in Chemical Engineering Technology. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials for an opportunity to be placed in permanent BASF positions with annual merit increases and bonuses.
“I’m proud of Samuel for not only being the first apprentice at the Chattanooga site, but for seeing it through and completing the program,” said Brittany Davis, operations manager at BASF in Chattanooga. “He has set the tone for all other apprentices who join the program and will be a great resource to everyone who follows in his path.”
Officials said, "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."
BASF is currently accepting applications for apprentices in Chattanooga. Visit www.basf.us/tn to apply or learn more about the program, or attend an open house at Chattanooga State Community College on Oct.16 from 4-7 p.m. in the Center for Engineering Technology, Arts & Sciences building.