Workforce development

Surveys of American teenagers find that personal experience is the most meaningful factor that drives career choice. The same data indicates that 52% of teenagers say they have “no interest” in a manufacturing career. To familiarize students with the diverse array of careers available in manufacturing, BASF has reached more than 380,000 students through its science education programs since 2010. BASF’s Kids’ Lab helps grade-school students build on their natural curiosity for how things work and to develop an interest in science. BASF’s Science Academy and Tech Academy seek to attract high school students to skilled career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For career-changing adults, we shine a light on misconceptions of pay, lifestyle and future job availability projections.

The workforce landscape is changing – rapidly. Since 2016, approximately 11,000 workers in the United States have been turning 70 every day. These retirements, combined with a shortage of job candidates with technical degrees, have left a significant skills gap in the American workforce. Industry experts predict that these factors will account for two million manufacturing jobs going unfilled in the coming years. The most pressing need will be within job sectors that require education beyond high school, particularly in technology. An example out of our Freeport, Texas site clearly illustrates the seriousness of this skills gap. Just a few years ago, there was a need to hire 20 new technicians (there are approximately eight technicians required to support each operating engineer). The site received more than 2,000 applications for these jobs. Because the applicants simply did not have the technical skills required, only 12 of the 20 positions were filled. As a leader in the manufacturing industry, BASF is partnering with relevant stakeholders to ensure that both students and career-changing adults are supported in their pursuit of manufacturing jobs. A significant effort has been made to recruit veterans, women and minorities. These initiatives, which have already achieved measurable success, include:

Through nested educational partnerships, BASF supports local institutions that offer programs aligned with industry needs. This helps ensure that applicants are not only familiar with the manufacturing industry, but skilled and highly qualified. Through these partnerships, we align educational program learning with real-world workplace knowledge. BASF provides site tours, student internships and faculty externships. Additionally, the company donates equipment, capital and personnel for school needs. An example of this is seen in our partnership with River Parishes Community College (RPCC) in Geismar, Louisiana. Investments here include:

$500,000 cash and equipment donations,
dedicated support to the school for plant design and build,
the establishment of a BASF Tech Academy with funding for future cohorts,
scholarships for Tech Academy participants who enroll in STEM programs at RPCC,
paid internship opportunities,
an 18-week, fast-track Process Technology degree for students already holding a Bachelor’s degree,
and a $25k annual donation to their general fund.

Career and technical education awareness

Nested educational partnerships

Government and industrial partnerships

BASF works with governments and industry partners at the federal, state and local levels. Through these efforts, BASF advocates for policies that will benefit both the industry and future manufacturing employees. A major accomplishment in this arena can be seen in Texas. In 2013, the Texas House and Senate unanimously passed House Bill 5, which recalibrated the focus of high school education. Previously, the primary objective for high school students was demonstrable university preparedness. Since the passing of Texas House Bill 5, high school students can now pursue endorsements as a part of their curriculum. These endorsements include technical skills and preparation for either trade school or immediate hire. The work started in Texas has served as a foundation for policy changes in other states and at the federal level. Recently, the Carl D. Perkins Act was re-authorized by Congress. This law is intended to increase learner access to high quality Career and Technical Education by more closely aligning secondary and post-secondary education. The Perkins Act also allows for more interaction at the state and local level between education and employers, which provides a balance between employer need and curriculum.

BASF’s Glenn Johnson testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives to shed light on the urgent need for more technically-skilled workers. (Johnson’s testimony begins at 56:40.)

Would you like to help advocate for workforce development initiatives and other policies that help BASF be more successful? Join the BASF Capital Club!

Visit the Capital Club intranet site or contact Michael Heltzer at michael.heltzer@basf.com.

How BASF is supporting the next generation of American manufacturing workers

Workforce development

BY CATHERINE DIAMOND