Registration is open for BASF’s TECH Academy for rising juniors and seniors in Hamilton County. Scheduled for the week of June 13 and provided through a partnership with Chattanooga State Community College, the BASF program introduces students to technical and craft careers through hands-on demonstrations and experiments at Chattanooga State, tours of local employers and career-focused discussions with BASF personnel.

“TECH Academy combines classroom activities, tours of local facilities and the expertise of those in manufacturing to introduce students to the wide variety of technical careers available to them,” said Rob Gagliano, site director of BASF’s Chattanooga facility.

The program will show participants what it is like to work as an operator, instrument technician, maintenance technician, lab tech, welder, scaffolder and many other jobs.

Additionally, topics such as engineering practices, 3D printing, mechatronics and robotics will be covered in both classroom and field settings.

Last year’s TECH Academy students enjoyed trips to Branch Technology, Gestamp, Komatsu, Westinghouse Electric and BASF’s Chattanooga facility.

The program, funded annually by BASF, is free for students and is part of BASF’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and workforce development efforts.

“TECH Academy supports local industry and economic growth by investing in students as they prepare to enter the workforce,” said Mr. Gagliano. “Many high schoolers are simply unaware of these great opportunities and we’re looking to bridge that gap.”

The application may be found online at http://bit.ly/ChatTechAcademy. The deadline to apply is March 3.

For questions about TECH Academy, contact Lisa Jackson at (423) 697-5722 or email lisa.jackson@chattanoogastate.edu.