A Great Example of Partnership and Success BASF, TCTC and Apprenticeship Carolina joined with other community partners at the Oconee Campus March 1 to celebrate the first completers of the educational component of the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program and to welcome the second cohort. Last summer seven TCTC students joined the BASF team as apprentices who pursued a TCTC credential and Department of Labor credentials while also earning a full-time wage through onthe-job training at the company’s Seneca plant. This collaboration is a partnership between BASF, TCTC and Apprenticeship Carolina. The twelve-month apprenticeship program pays apprentices a full-time wage and full benefits to participate in on-the-job training at BASF’s Seneca facility while earning a certificate in Process Technology from Tri-County. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions at BASF’s Seneca site. In addition to paying a competitive wage, BASF offers medical, dental, vision, vacation and other benefits and covers the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with the certificate program.
“This is a great example of partnership and success,” said TCTC President Galen DeHay. “We couldn’t do this without the partnership with TCTC and Apprenticeship Carolina,” said BASF Seneca Operations Manager Dave Sanders. “This partnership is so important because it provides people with no prior experience in manufacturing with the tools they need to explore and find success in the manufacturing industry.” We have been successful in attracting new, diverse talent through this program, and we are looking forward to a continued collaboration,” added BASF Senior Vice President of Precious Metal Services Tim Ingle. “Innovative, collaborative programs of this type are a unique solution to the challenges of workforce recruitment and development. By closely working with our business partners to understand their workforce needs, Tri-County continues its tradition of building strong communities of skilled workers who create value for their employers while starting successful careers,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at TCTC.
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The first cohort of BASF’s apprenticeship development program poses with President DeHay, center, and BASF representatives.
Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie, TCTC vice president of academic affairs and workforce development, talks to first cohort Victor Ikenna Odor.
President DeHay, right, talks with Elba Lizardi, BASF site director, and Tim Ingle, BASF senior vice president, precious metal services.
The second apprenticeship cohort poses with BASF representatives.
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