Careers

BASF trainee programs in Germany

Have you just graduated from university and are now looking to kick-start your career?

As one of the world's leading chemical companies, we offer you an exciting working environment, diverse career opportunities and development prospects, not only during your traineeship but also afterward. Our various trainee programs are as diverse as your talents.
Find the trainee program that suits you

Whom we are looking for: University graduates with a maximum of 2 years of professional experience

What we offer: Trainee programs in engineering, IT & digitalization, natural sciences and economics

Locations: Berlin, Frankfurt, Lampertheim, Ludwigshafen, Münster, Schwarzheide

Application: Possible at any time for advertised trainee positions

Start date: Flexible (depending on individual availability)

What's in it for you – all the benefits at a glance

* Depending on the program and location.

What our trainees say

Our trainee programs in Germany

Discover our locations

We offer a wide variety of trainee programs at several locations in Germany.

Would you consider working outside Germany?

Discover our international trainee programs.

Trainee programs in the field of engineering

Automation & Electrical Engineering

START IN Coatings: Automation and Digitalization

This is all about sustainable solutions that allow for a good measure of creativity! Get to know the various production technologies and processes and develop expertise in engineering & maintenance – with a focus on digitalized automation and process control technology. Our specialist units look forward to hearing your ideas and concepts, for example with regard to augmented reality and visual analytics. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, process control engineering, automation technology or a comparable degree

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN Engineering & Management: Automation and Electrical Engineering

To prepare you optimally for the challenges in the field of electrical engineering, automation and process control technology, our trainee program will introduce you to various departments and a wide range of technical and methodological approaches. You will be integrated into professional technical teams, immerse yourself in the respective processes and establish important contacts.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company:
BASF SE

Program duration:
24 months with 4 to 6 assignments lasting 4 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in engineering with a specialization in process control engineering, electrical engineering, control engineering or automation engineering with above-average grades

Application:
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year

Production & Digitalization

START IN Production & Digitalization

The high-performance operation of our plants is of central importance in order to continue producing top-quality products in a sustainable and future-oriented manner. That is why it is essential to drive forward digitalization and process optimization at our plants. Our trainee program with permanent employment prepares you optimally for your target role in the operational environment with a focus on digitalization.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company
BASF SE

Program duration:
24 months with a change of perspective for 5 to 6 months

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree, doctorate or diploma in engineering with a specialization in process, electrical, control or automation engineering, as well as chemical engineers with above-average grades

Application:
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year

Process engineering & mechanical engineering

START IN Coatings: Engineering

Here, you will be actively involved in the planning and assembly phase of investment projects in order to optimize production processes and expand capacities. And that's both locally and globally! We use a wide range of production technologies and processes – and you will get to know them all! For example, in asset management at our production facilities, with a focus on maintenance and plant optimization. Another bonus: You will build up an international network at the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering with links to chemistry or a comparable degree program

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN Engineering & Management: Process Engineering

To prepare you optimally for the challenges of our chemical plants and their process engineering, our trainee program will introduce you to various departments and a wide range of technical and methodological approaches. You will be integrated into professional technical teams, immerse yourself in the respective processes and establish important contacts.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company:
BASF SE

Program duration:
24 months with 4 to 6 assignments lasting 4 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in engineering with a specialization in process engineering and above-average grades

Application:
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year

START IN Management & Expert: Process Engineering/Chemical Engineering

Big data isn't just found on the internet. We also rely on digitalization and process optimization at our plants to prevent breakdowns and downtime, for example. Are you ready to drive digital transformation forward with us? Then this trainee program is the best way to join BASF: Our 24-month trainee program with permanent employment, in cooperation with your mentor, will prepare you optimally for your target role in process management, production management or an expert career.

Location:
Schwarzheide

Company:
BASF InfraService & Solutions Lausitz GmbH

Program duration:
24 months with 4 assignments of 6 months each

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree or doctorate in chemical process engineering or chemical engineering

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026 onwards

Learn more about careers at this location

Construction & real estate

START IN Construction & Engineering

Whether it's innovative projects to transform infrastructure and services, responsibility for sub-projects in the life cycle of administrative and production buildings and laboratories, or insights into the latest technologies – we are looking for innovation drivers. You will take on sub-projects independently, explore new technologies and actively help shape the technical ecosystem. Personal coaching and an international trainee community support your individual development and help you build a strong network. Our trainee program with permanent employment prepares you optimally for your target role in construction and engineering with a focus on technical building equipment.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company:
BASF SE

Program duration:
24 months with 5 to 6 assignments lasting 3 to 5 months each

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree, doctorate or diploma in engineering with a specialization in supply engineering (technical building equipment/HVAC or electrical engineering/building automation) or civil engineering with above-average grades

Application:
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year

Environment, health & safety

START IN Coatings: Sustainability

Here, you will be directly involved in the colorful diversity of BASF Coatings' industrial sustainability activities. You will play an active role in transferring sustainable solutions and products into our business. This means that, in addition to its own sustainability efforts, BASF Coatings also supports customers and partners with sustainable concepts and offerings under the guiding principle of "driving sustainability forward." Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in sustainability science, environmental science, environmental engineering, resource management, industrial chemistry, chemistry, economics with a focus on sustainability

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN Environment & Safety

You will advise production plants and support units in the areas of plant and occupational safety, environmental protection and quality management. In doing so, you will gain valuable insights into regulatory notification and approval procedures and take on responsibility for projects directly related to sustainability and climate protection. A particular bonus: You will benefit from a high degree of creative freedom. You will actively participate in planning your rotations, including optional assignments in our production plants.

Location:
Lampertheim

Company:
BASF Lampertheim GmbH

Program duration:
24 months with 4 to 6 assignments lasting 4 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes, upon completion of a master's degree

Required degree:
Master's degree in engineering or a comparable field with a focus on safety, environment, mechanical engineering or process engineering

Application:
It is not currently possible to apply for this program

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN Environment & Safety

To prepare you optimally for the challenges in the EHS environment (Environment, Health & Safety), our trainee program will introduce you to various departments and a wide range of technical and methodological approaches. You can expect a variety of practical assignments in which you will build up specialist knowledge in environmental monitoring, approval procedures, occupational and plant safety, and production operations.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company:
BASF SE

Program duration:
24 months with 4 to 6 assignments lasting 4 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
No

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in environmental and process engineering with above-average grades

Application:
It is not currently possible to apply for this program

Learn more about careers at this location

Trainee programs in the field of IT & Digitalization

Data science

START IN Coatings: Data Science

Help shape the digital transformation! With your creative ideas and excellent understanding of data modeling, you will deliver real added value. Your rotation plan will be tailored to your interests: Rotation units can be focused on production-related areas such as smart manufacturing, research & development, and engineering & maintenance, or on commercial departments such as controlling, marketing, sales, and the digital transformation team. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Academic degree in business informatics, data science or a comparable degree program with a focus on IT, such as industrial engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics or business administration

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

Trainee programs in the field of natural sciences

Chemistry

START IN Coatings: PhD Chemist

Help shape the future of BASF Coatings! As part of the R&D team, you will support the development and implementation of innovative products and manage (sub-)projects in the research and development departments. You will also be able to contribute your expertise to customer-oriented projects. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Doctoral studies in chemistry, polymer chemistry or physical chemistry

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

Trainee programs in the field of economics

General management / business administration

TOP START International Business Leader Program (Germany)

The program offers an excellent start to a successful career in general management with responsibility right from the start. Over a period of three years, you will complete three rotations, at least one of which will be international. You will have the opportunity to help shape your program schedule, taking into account your background and interests. BASF offers a wide range of opportunities in various industries, countries and functions, making the program unique for everyone.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company
BASF SE

Program duration:
36 months with 3 assignments of 12 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 12 to 24 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's, PhD or MBA in an economics discipline with above-average grades

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from January 2026

START IN Coatings: Business

A wide range of insights into the business areas of BASF Coatings await you here! In various business areas, from automotive, refinish and surface treatment to new business development, you can get involved in both operational and strategic topics and projects in sales, account management, marketing and product management. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster or Frankfurt

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH or Chemetall GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 4 assignments of 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics, business informatics or business chemistry ( )

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026 onwards.

START IN Coatings: Digital Business & Innovation Management

Help shape the digital transformation! Bring your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to BASF Coatings' innovation and digitalization units. For example, in the Digital Transformation Team, Digital Business Solutions and Global Digitalization – Marketing. You will contribute to and drive forward the further development of business models and services. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics, business informatics, digitalization, entrepreneurship or innovation management

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN European Business Services

At our Berlin location, we combine comprehensive expertise in the areas of human resources, finance, supply chain, purchasing, global project management, communications, product safety, IT and digitalization. During the trainee program, you will gain a wide range of insights into the departments of our international service hub that you have individually selected. You will familiarize yourself with different specialist areas and future-oriented skills, take on your first projects and gain a comprehensive understanding of the design and strategic development of modern business services. The program is rounded off by special training courses, an optional assignment abroad and an accompanying mentoring program.

Location:
Berlin

Company:
BASF Service Europe GmbH

Program duration:
18 months with 4 to 5 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in economics, social sciences, humanities, technology or information sciences

Application:
It is not currently possible to apply for this program

Learn more about careers at this location

Human resources

START IN Coatings: People & Culture

Here, you will be directly involved in the activities of People & Culture (HR) at BASF Coatings and take on operational and strategic tasks along the entire human resources management process chain, such as recruiting, employer branding, talent management and business partnering. You will also support the People & Culture units in advising managers at local and global levels. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in (business) psychology, economics with a focus on HR and organization, HR management or HR analytics

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN HR Business Partner

Our trainee program will prepare you perfectly for your career start as an HR Business Partner in one of our divisions. After in-depth training in the world of HR at BASF, you will accompany and advise managers on personnel planning, recruitment and personnel development with the support of the entire team, and manage the performance management process.

Location:
Ludwigshafen or Lampertheim

Company:
BASF SE, BASF Digital Solutions GmbH or BASF Lampertheim GmbH

Program duration:
24 months with 3 to 5 assignments lasting 3 to 9 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics with a focus on HR or a comparable degree program

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Finance, Controlling & Audit

START IN Coatings: Controlling

Here, you will be directly involved in strategic decisions! And in the process, you will get to know our various business areas, particulary in the field of controlling, which are responsible for planning, managing and analyzing business processes. Your support will be needed to evaluate data, develop financial models and provide valuable insights that promote the sustainable development of our business units. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics or business administration with a focus on accounting and controlling or business informatics

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

START IN Finance & Controlling with a focus on controlling

We are BASF in agriculture, and everything we do, we do out of love for agriculture. We combine seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches to deliver the best possible results for farmers and other stakeholders along the value chain. We do everything in our power to create a sustainable future for agriculture by connecting innovation, customers and society.

Location:
Limburgerhof

Company:
BASF SE

Program duration:
18 months with 3 assignments of 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics

Application:
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year

START IN Finance & Controlling with a focus on finance

At Corporate Finance, we don't just see numbers, we see solutions. We think strategically and innovatively, get things done and implement them. We always keep our business partners in mind and keep an eye on trends in sustainability and digitalization. Our tasks are diverse: Mergers and acquisitions, financing, preparing financial data, managing financial risks and advising the Executive Board on economic decisions are all part of our daily routine. We continuously develop our processes in dialogue with our globally networked communities.

Location:
Ludwigshafen

Company:
BASF SE

Program duration:
18 months with 3 assignments of 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics

Application:
Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year

START IN European Business Services Finance & Tax

At our Berlin location, we combine modern expertise in the areas of finance & tax (including business reporting, accounts receivable/payable, treasury, master data) and the digitalization of these business services. During the trainee program, you will gain a wide range of insights into global finance and the departments of our international service hub that you have selected individually. You will familiarize yourself with different specialist areas and future-oriented skills, take on your first projects and gain a comprehensive understanding of the design and strategic development of our finance services. The program is rounded off by special training courses, an optional assignment abroad and an accompanying mentoring program.

Location:
Berlin

Company:
BASF Services Europe GmbH

Program duration:
18 months with 4 to 5 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in economics or a comparable degree program with a focus on finance and/or taxation

Application:
It is not currently possible to apply for this program

Learn more about careers at this location

Logistics & Supply Chain

START IN Coatings: Procurement

Here, you will be directly involved in the operational and project-related activities of procurement and can contribute directly to the success of BASF Coatings. For example, in the development, implementation and monitoring of purchasing strategies, as well as the preparation and execution of negotiations. Another bonus: You will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster or Frankfurt

Company
BASF Coatings GmbH or Chemetall GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics or business administration with a focus on purchasing, sales, supply chain or similar subjects, or natural sciences or engineering

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from Q4 2025

START IN Coatings: Supply Chain

You can expect to gain deep insights into operational and strategic areas here. From supply chain planning and customer order management to warehouse management and transport management, you can get involved in the entire value chain. Another bonus: you will build up an international network in the world's largest chemical company.

Location:
Münster

Company:
BASF Coatings GmbH

Program duration:
18 to 24 months with 3 to 4 assignments lasting 3 to 6 months each

Stay abroad:
Yes, for 3 to 6 months

Permanent employment contract:
Yes

Required degree:
Master's degree in economics, computer science, industrial engineering, supply chain management, or a comparable degree

Application:
Applications for this program are expected to be accepted again from 2026

Learn more about careers at this location

Frequently asked questions

Are there fixed start dates for trainee programs?

Our trainee programs start flexibly and are tailored to your individual availability. You can apply for open positions at any time.

Can I apply for several locations or trainee programs at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to apply for several locations or trainee programs at the same time. You can find open positions for our trainee programs on our job search page.

What is the application process for trainee programs?

Online application

You can find all currently advertised trainee positions in our global job search. You can apply directly for the trainee program of your choice by clicking on the "Apply now" button in the job advertisement.

Review

Once we have received your application, our recruiting team will review your documents and assess whether you are a good fit for the position.

Online assessment

If your profile matches the program criteria, we will invite you to take an online test. This 90-minute test is designed to identify and assess your potential specifically in relation to the job requirements. You will also be asked about your professional interests.

Your results will be compared with those of the best candidates in your field. After the test, you will receive a personal feedback report showing you where your strengths lie and where you can develop further.

Telephone interview or on-demand video interview

In the next step, we would like to get to know you better. There are two options for this: You can either take part in an on-demand video interview or arrange a telephone interview with a member of our recruiting team.

In the on-demand video interview, you will answer questions and your answers will be recorded – you can choose the location and time of the interview flexibly.

Alternatively, you can arrange an appointment for a telephone interview with a member of the recruitment team. The interview lasts approximately 30 minutes and serves to learn more about your interests and motivation, as well as your experience, skills and career goals.

Video interview

In the video interview, you will meet the program manager and discuss a possible program schedule, taking into account your background and interests. You will also have plenty of time to ask questions about the program and our company.

Interview day

Finally, we would like to get to know you personally and give you the opportunity to meet potential team members and learn more about BASF as an employer.

Final offer

After a successful interview day, we will contact you to discuss the contract details and develop ideas together about what the program could look like for you and what assignments are possible. We will also clarify the start date, which is flexible.

Can I also submit a speculative application?

Is your desired program not currently advertised? You can activate our job agent in your applicant profile to be notified when new positions that are suitable for you become available.

Or are you still unsure which trainee program is best for you? Our Job Matcher will help you find the job offers that best match your CV.

Alternatively, you can also submit a speculative application.

Start your career at BASF!

We will support you in surpassing yourself and
achieve your personal and professional goals.

Discover open trainee positions

Our trainee programs.

Your perfect career start.