BASF’s TECH Academy Introduces Louisiana High School Students to Technical Careers

Twenty-seven area high school students recently completed BASF’s TECH Academy – a week-long educational and workforce development program hosted at River Parishes Community College (RPCC). TECH Academy encourages students to learn more about technical and craft careers through experiments, demonstrations, field trips and interactions with industry professionals. Since 2015, more than 200 students have completed TECH Academy in Louisiana.

“At BASF, we value playing a role in our local community by engaging with young people who are preparing for their futures,” said Jerry Lebold, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “TECH Academy provides students with a unique opportunity to learn more about the manufacturing-related career options here in Ascension Parish.”

The group of rising high school juniors and seniors participated in field trips that reinforced skills needed in technical disciplines for several potential career roles, such as process technicians, instrument technicians, welders, pipefitters, drafters, and more. The students toured multiple technology-rich facilities that helped further educate them on career opportunities. The facilities included BASF’s site in Geismar, along with the sites of TECH Academy partners including the Port of South Louisiana, Triad Electric and Controls, Ascension Welding and Fabrication and NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

“BASF TECH Academy has helped with my future career goals by broadening my knowledge of the different job opportunities and teaching me of the education and training that is required to achieve those goals,” said Bradley Anderson, a student at St. Amant High School.

TECH Academy is part of BASF’s workforce development efforts in North America to support industry growth and investment in the region. BASF’s manufacturing operations require a skilled workforce to construct, operate and maintain chemical production facilities across the region.

“I continue to be impressed by the depth and quality of the young people who participate in the BASF’s TECH Academy at RPCC. This is a great opportunity for high school students to connect and learn about emerging technologies and career opportunities,” said Quintin Taylor, Chancellor of RPCC. “Having students on campus learning and sharing information from professionals in the field while engaging with our faculty provided a real time glimpse into the careers that await them. In the near future, I look forward to welcoming these students as college freshmen at RPCC and helping to prepare them for exciting careers in manufacturing.”

TECH Academy is funded annually by BASF and is completely free for students. The application process is open to any Ascension Parish Public Schools student or child of a BASF employee or contractor rising to their junior or senior year of high school with interest in technical careers. Students who complete the program also are eligible to apply for BASF scholarships to pursue technical degrees or certifications to attend RPCC.