BASF ECMS equips fifth apprenticeship program cohort for manufacturing success

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) celebrated completion of the fifth cohort of apprentices from its North American Apprenticeship Development Program on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

The program is in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina and Tri-County Technical College (TCTC), and enables BASF ECMS to hire talented individuals who might not have been considered otherwise due to their lack of manufacturing experience. Since launching the program for production technicians in 2021, BASF ECMS has built a robust pipeline of skilled employees. By focusing on non-traditional hires, the program has successfully transitioned individuals from various backgrounds, including the military, food service, and retail, into thriving manufacturing careers.

Four apprentices, Dylan Bruens, Tristin Chesbro, Andrew Pollard, and Dan Singleton successfully finished the 12-month training program – earning certifications and enhancing their skills for future careers in the manufacturing industry.

Throughout the program, the apprentices obtained OSHA 10 safety certification, White Belt Six Sigma Certification, and completed Creating Safety Involvement (CSI) training for safety observations in the plant. Additionally, they were awarded a certificate in Process Technology from TCTC and an apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. They also received a pay raise upon completing the program.

“We are proud of the nearly 30 apprentices who have graduated from this program since it began in 2021,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at Tri-County Technical College. “This program exemplifies the power of education and industry partnership in creating a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”

As part of their capstone project, the apprentices designed and built a functioning mini evaporative cooling tower using a five-gallon bucket and small bilge pump. This project highlighted their practical skills, teamwork, and understanding of key roles such as operations, quality assurance, and project management.

During the celebration ceremony at TCTC’s Oconee Campus, the apprentices presented their project, emphasizing its design, functionality, and the continuous improvement mindset they adopted.

“The program’s flexibility was crucial for me as a new father,” said Dan Singleton, apprentice. “With my wife working long hours in the healthcare field, balancing work, training, and family could have been overwhelming. But the support from BASF ECMS allowed me to grow professionally while staying committed to my family.”

“Starting over mid-career in a completely different industry was a big leap for me,” said Andrew Pollard, apprentice. “This program gave me the tools and confidence to succeed and be part of an award-winning team. I feel prepared and excited for the opportunities ahead in manufacturing.”

The program has also contributed to increased retention rates for apprentices, addressing challenges in finding and retaining qualified candidates for production technician roles. As a result, BASF ECMS has reduced the number of apprenticeship cohorts it hosts each year from two to one, as fewer vacancies now exist.

“We’re proud of these apprentices and are excited to see how they continue to grow and advance their careers,” said Elba Lizardi, site director for BASF ECMS in Seneca. “Watching apprentices grow and thrive in their roles demonstrates that we’re building a stable, skilled workforce for the future. Reducing the number of cohorts is a true sign that the program is working exactly as we’d envisioned; it’s a great problem to have.”

“This celebration is a testament to the power of partnership. By working together with industry leaders like BASF ECMS, we’re creating opportunities that not only benefit the apprentices and their careers but also strengthen the workforce and economic future of South Carolina,” said Apprenticeship Carolina Vice President Amanda Richardson. “This collaboration showcases how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between talent development and industry needs, making a lasting impact on the state.”

To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.basf.com/ecms.