SENECA, SC– BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) recognized five apprentices who successfully completed its North American Apprenticeship Development Program on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Tri County Technical College’s (TCTC) Oconee Campus.
Now in its sixth cohort, the 12-month program is delivered in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina and TCTC. Designed to open doors for individuals without prior manufacturing experience, the initiative has helped BASF ECMS build a strong pipeline of skilled talent by focusing on non-traditional hires—including those transitioning from the military, food service, retail and service industries.
The latest group of apprentices—Sarah Davis, Logan Huffman, Kevin Maldonado, Jose Martinez, and Maureen Slack—joined 28 others who have successfully advanced through the program since it began in 2021. Over the course of the year, participants earned a range of industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 10 certification, White Belt Six Sigma, and Creating Safety Involvement (CSI) training for in-plant safety observations. They also received a certificate in Process Technology
from TCTC and an official apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. Upon completion, each apprentice received a pay increase.
“We’re honored to celebrate another group of talented individuals graduating from the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development program,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at Tri-County Technical College. “Since its launch in 2021, 33 apprentices have completed the program, a testament to the strength of our collaboration with BASF and our shared commitment to building a future-ready workforce.”
As part of their capstone project, the apprentices designed and assembled a functioning mini evaporative cooling tower using a five-gallon bucket and a bilge pump.