BASF’s TECH Academy introduces Louisiana high school students to technical careers

GEISMAR, LA, June 18, 2026 – Twenty-six 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.

“Developing the next generation of skilled talent is critical to the future of our industry and our community,” said Andy Gutacker, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “Through our TECH Academy, we are investing in local students by providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to advanced manufacturing – helping them build the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.”

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 a process technician, instrument technician, welder, pipefitter, drafter, and more. Led by RPCC faculty, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences within the college's welding, electrical, instrumentation, and process technology training labs, where instructors provided career-focused guidance, demonstrated industry-standard equipment, and connected classroom concepts to real-world technical careers through interactive activities and the Process Equipment Trainer (PET) plant. 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 John H. Carter, Ascension Welding and Fabrication and NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

“I first attended TECH Academy in 2025, and I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school,” said Mateo Alvarez, rising senior at Ascension Early College Option. “After attending again this year, talking with the welding instructor at RPCC and seeing different places I could be a welder, I am confident that welding is the career for me.”

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.

“Our partnership with BASF is a great example of how education and industry can work together to build a strong local talent pipeline,” said Quintin Taylor, Chancellor of River Parishes Community College. “TECH Academy gives students meaningful, real-world experience that enhances their education and positions them for long-term success.”

TECH Academy is funded annually by BASF at no cost to 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.