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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 and economics

Locations: Berlin, Frankfurt, Lampertheim, Ludwigshafen, Münster

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

The graphic shows the benefits of a BASF trainee program: individual program design, full salary and additional benefits, permanent employment contract, one-on-one mentoring, networking, stay abroad, early responsibility, regular feedback, and personal and professional development.
* Depending on the program and location.

Our trainee programs in Germany

Discover our locations

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

Trainee programs in the field of engineering

Automation & Electrical Engineering

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
  1. Apply now for START IN Engineering & Management: Automation and Electrical Engineering
  2. Learn more about careers at BASF SE

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
  1. Apply now for START IN Production & Digitalization
  2. Learn more about careers at BASF SE

Process Engineering

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
  1. Apply now for START IN Engineering & Management: Process Engineering
  2. Learn more about careers at BASF SE

Construction

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
  1. Apply now for START IN Construction & Engineering
  2. Learn more about careers at BASF SE

Environment & Safety

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:
Currently, it is not possible to apply for this program
  1. Learn more about careers at BASF Lampertheim GmbH

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:
Currently, it is not possible to apply for this program. If you are interested in applying for the trainee programm in 2027, please send an email to future-leaders-summit@basf.com to be added to the waitlist.
  1. Send us an email
  2. Learn more about the TOP START International Business Leader Trainee Program
  3. Learn more about careers at BASF SE

Finance, Controlling & Audit

Start your career at BASF!

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

Discover open trainee positions

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?

The graphic shows the steps in the application process for a BASF trainee program: online application, initial matching, online assessment, phone or on-demand-video interview, video interview, interview day, and final offer.

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.

Get started now and take off

Explore our programs designed to give your career a boost and learn more about BASF as an employer.