Careers

Earn while you learn at BASF

The North American Apprenticeship Development Program (NAADP) prepares you for developing your career in manufacturing with on-the-job training.

Wherever you are in your life, BASF can put you on the road to an exciting and rewarding career in the innovative world of manufacturing. Our facilities are ready to help you learn, work, and earn money. Prepare for a hands-on career with the North American Apprenticeship Development Program!

As an apprentice at one of our manufacturing sites, you will get up to three years of on-the-job training while earning an industry-recognized credential. While in the program, you will also receive a competitive wage, and BASF will cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees related to the credential earned while in the program. Once you complete the NAADP, you will be considered for full-time positions.

Because the world needs creative solutions, we need you!

GOOD TO KNOW

Available Opportunities

What do YOU want to know?

See what your career at BASF could look like

Instrument & Electrical Technician

_{As an Instrument and Electrical Technician Apprentice, you will learn to consult manufacturers' manuals to perform testing and maintenance tasks. You will also learn to use testing devices to inspect and test instruments and system operations to diagnose problems. You will not be limited to just testing and maintaining equipment; you will get the opportunity to install and maintain instruments on new or existing plant equipment and processes.}

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

College Students & Recent High School Graduates

What do you want to do as a career? Whether you are getting ready to go to work, school, or just graduated, it is probably a question you are being asked. Instead of having an answer, you simply have more questions. BASF has answers!

Can I make money?

Yes! Manufacturing Technicians make great money. You may see other information that says that technicians start around $50,000 a year, but you can make much more than that, even double, in your first years working. How much you make is often up to you and is based on the training you receive and the work you take on.

Do I have to go to school for manufacturing?

You can get started in manufacturing by applying to be an apprentice in BASF’s NAADP. The NAADP will help you get started by placing you in an earn-and-learn apprenticeship program where you can start making money immediately while you train on the job and attend college. You will spend between 12 and 36 months as an apprentice and come out with a degree or certificate. While working and learning as an NAADP apprentice, we do not want you to sweat the small stuff, so BASF will cover the entire cost of your educational program, including books! Making the NAADP is a great path to a successful career at BASF!

Are there apprenticeships available?

Yes! There are many apprenticeship programs at numerous BASF manufacturing sites within the United States. We currently offer apprenticeships at 28 manufacturing sites in 12 different states, so there is a great chance that there is an apprenticeship near you. You are almost guaranteed to find immediate openings for jobs nearby.

Can I work while I learn?

Yes. If you join NAADP, you can work, attend college, and train full-time!

Will I like working in manufacturing?

Manufacturing provides some of the most challenging and interesting work there is. No workday is the same, and every day will present challenges and rewards that make the journey to a manufacturing career with BASF well worth the time and effort!

Career Changers

Is a career change the right move? It takes courage to chart a new course, and we understand you might have questions. We have the answers that can help you decide if BASF is the right choice for you.

Do I have skills from my previous job that will be valued?

Absolutely. Whether you come with leadership experience, technical expertise, or creativity waiting to be unlocked, you can find a role that values what you uniquely bring to the table.

Are there programs or services that can help me transition?

Yes, BASF has designed the NAADP to address the needs of pre-entry level candidates by combining on-the-job training with academic programs customized to take apprentices from pre-entry level candidates to entry-level technicians in the most effective and efficient manner.

Is there a career path in manufacturing?

Manufacturing is one of the few industries where career opportunities are almost limitless. You can specialize as a technician in something that suits your skills or interests, or you can seek to move into supervision/manager, planning and schedule, project management, purchasing, or other support staff positions.

Will it take me a long time to get started?

Not at all! There are positions open right now that will enable you to learn and grow in your career.

Are there jobs near me?

We currently offer apprenticeships at 28 manufacturing sites in 12 different states, so there is a great chance that there is an apprenticeship near you. You are almost guaranteed to find immediate openings for jobs nearby.

Parents

Is a career in manufacturing right for your child? We know every parent only wants the best for their children and choosing a career is no exception. Will your child be successful? Happy? Respected? Financially secure? You have questions, and we have answers.

Are there jobs available?

Yes, there are over 90,000 jobs available in the chemical industry, which is expected to grow around 6% from 2021 to 2031.

Are schooling and training expensive?

Through our NAADP, your child will be paid a living wage. Additionally, while working and learning as an NAADP apprentice, we do not want them to sweat the small stuff, so BASF will cover the entire cost of their educational program, including books!

Is there a future for my child?

Manufacturing is one of the few professions where, as a technician, you will constantly be learning new, high-tech skills, and offered the opportunity to specialize or advance. As long as there are products that need to be produced, manufacturing technicians will be in demand. There is also a tremendous amount of opportunity to move into a leadership or support staff role.

Will the work be dangerous or dirty?

Many modern manufacturing facilities are clean, safe, and outfitted with the latest tools and technology. Proper training and equipment will always be important, but manufacturing technicians enjoy long, fruitful careers with the right safety policies and procedures in place.

Will they have to move for training or jobs?

Testimonials & News

_{BASF’s North American Apprenticeship Program is one of the best values available to jump start your career as a technician in manufacturing with a full-time salary, full benefits and college leading to an industry certificate. Almost no other manufacturing company provides such a total value package!”}

Susan Emmerich, Ph.D.

Manufacturing Talent Programs Manager

_{BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program (NAADP) provides a path where pre-entry level candidates with no previous manufacturing experience can gain the skills and education required to become an entry-level employee. It is an amazing opportunity to launch an exciting and well paid career in the chemical industry!”}

Dan Smelker-Cheeseman, Ed.D, M.Ed

Apprenticeship Program Manager

Recent news

New BASF apprenticeship program offers on-the-job training and future career opportunities in manufacturing at the Port Arthur, Texas site

Cody Lord and Jason Preston from Attapulgus site.

BASF production operator first to complete apprenticeship program at Sparta, Tennessee site

Process technician first to complete BASF’s apprenticeship program at Chattanooga, Tennessee site