Four students complete BASF apprenticeship and gain employment at BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals, LLC

PORT ARTHUR, TX, AUGUST 13, 2024 – Four Lamar State College - Port Arthur students are the first to complete BASF’s apprenticeship program and gain employment at the company’s Port Arthur site. The apprentices were part of BASF’s 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.

“BASF’s apprenticeship program gave me practical application for what I was learning in the classroom,” said Rafael Lopez, BASF Process Technician. “I really appreciate the opportunity and am now ready to start working and continue my personal and professional growth that started with this program.”

The Port Arthur site launched the apprenticeship program in January 2023 in partnership with Lamar State College – Port Arthur. 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’s 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’s 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 Port Arthur site.

“We are very proud to now call these apprentices team members,” said John Lycan, BASF Vice President of Operations at the Port Arthur site. “The 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 Port Arthur."

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.

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About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $20.5 billion in 2023. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.