Motlow and BASF Partnership Offers Unique Apprenticeship Program

June 14, 2022

Motlow State Community College has partnered with BASF to develop an apprenticeship program at the chemical company's Sparta, Tennessee location. The ongoing partnership offers apprentices a unique opportunity to gain on-the-job training and earn industry-recognized credentials while receiving a full-time wage. It is part of BASF's North American Apprenticeship Development Program (NAADP) in conjunction with the US Department of Labor Scaling Apprenticeship Partnership Grant administered by Motlow. 

“The partnership provides BASF continual access to Motlow State students,” said Dr. Michael Torrence, President of Motlow. “Our graduates will be better prepared for industry needs and further upward mobility. We are thankful for the trust BASF is placing with us. The most valuable asset we have as a state is our citizenry.”

Apprentices will be trained on the job while earning industry-recognized credentials and academic credit leading to an associate degree. In addition to paying a competitive wage, BASF offers benefits and covers costs associated with the educational program. At the end of the apprenticeship, participants have the skills and credentials needed to continue their careers in manufacturing.

"BASF has a strong need for a skilled and diverse workforce. This program is an investment in our future team," said Johnathan Weatherly, Vice President of Operations for Performance Materials and NAADP Executive Sponsor. "Our apprenticeship program underlines our commitment to being a responsible employer. We developed this initiative to give future employees an attractive entry option to the chemical industry's promising careers."

The National Association of Manufacturers projects a labor shortage of 2.4 million skilled workers through the end of the decade. The apprenticeship program aims to close this gap and support the manufacturing industry's efforts to secure a skilled workforce. 

Motlow State Community College: Apprenticeship Opportunities

There are four production technician positions available and one maintenance technician position. Job announcements close at the end of June, and apprentices will begin work on August 1. Current Motlow students are encouraged to apply.

• If not already a current student, apply to Motlow 
• Apply for Production Technician Apprentice, or apply for Maintenance Technician Apprentice

Over 12 months (three semesters), as a Production Technician Apprentice you will earn a competitive wage and:

• Participate in on-the-job training alongside experienced technicians
• Gain credit toward a degree at Motlow State Community College with tuition, books, and fees covered by BASF
• Combine classroom studies with real-world, hands-on training to develop the skills needed to succeed as a Production Technician

Over 30 months (four semesters at a full academic load), as a Maintenance Technician Apprentice you will earn a competitive wage and:

• Participate in on-the-job training alongside experienced technicians
• Complete a Mechatronics Technology AAS at Motlow State Community College with tuition, books, and fees covered by BASF
• Combine classroom studies with real-world, hands-on training to develop the skills needed to succeed as a Maintenance Technician

To apply, visit www.basf.us/apprentice. For more information about Motlow State Community College, contact Motlow's Executive Director of Workforce and Community Assessment Dr. Amanda Bowers at [email protected]

About Motlow State Community College

Motlow is a public, multi-campus college in southern middle Tennessee. The College offers certificates, associate degrees, and flexible learning pathways towards a variety of bachelor’s degrees and industry-recognized training programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers. Visit Motlow.edu

The College’s mission is student success. It serves transfer and degree-seeking as well as non-credit students pursuing continuing education units, certifications, professional development, and industry-recognized credentials through Motlow Trained and specialized automation & robotics training.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,700 employees in North America and had sales of $25.9 billion in 2021. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient, and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. The system offers associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs, and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tbr.edu or visit Motlow at motlow.edu.