College is not for everyone

BASF Tech Academy shows high school seniors, recent graduates career options

DAVE GORGON

Twenty-one Downriver high school students and recent graduates know some of their career options after completing a weeklong BASF TECH Academy this summer.

The program was designed to inform students about the high demand in good-paying technical jobs for individuals who don’t have a four-year college degree.

From June 19-23, the young men and women participated in discussions, interactive/hands-on activities and tours at BASF in Wyandotte, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) in Taylor, Gorno Ford in Woodhaven, Fritz Products in River Rouge and the City of Wyandotte Fire Department.

The academy was funded by BASF and was provided free to students.

“College isn’t for everybody,” said Marika Diamond, who designed the program as head of public relations at BASF in Michigan. “This program is so fulfilling. To give these kids various opportunities, BASF is making a difference in the community.”

Days one and five of the academy were held at the BASF Wyandotte site. Students were introduced to innovation and technology that BASF uses to create a sustainable future. They explored promising manufacturing and lab tech careers that the chemical industry has to offer and the high-wage, high-demand jobs available at BASF.

Students learned about the unique opportunity to gain on-the-job training and earn industry-recognized credentials while receiving a fulltime wage through the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program. Students participated in manufacturing and lab tours, lab experiments, demonstrations and interactive simulations, including Z Lock, Lockout/Tagout, electric circuits and welding.

Day two provided students with an introduction to robotics and the certifications and programs associated with the field. Fritz Products opened its doors to students for a behind-thescenes tour of its scrap metal processing facility where they saw how metals are processed and experienced robotics in action, discussing functionality,