Apprenticeship Technical Trainer - Plastics Processing

ALPLA's Iowa City, IA manufacturing site is looking for a Apprenticeship Technical Trainer. ALPLA is a global family-owned, privately held company that makes innovative, customized, recycled packaging for top companies such as P&G, Unilever, L'Oréal, Pepsi, Henkel, Chobani and more. ALPLA values their employees, work-life balance, personal growth, compensation and sustainability.

The main purpose of the Apprenticeship Technical Trainer role at ALPLA is to provide comprehensive training for apprentices and further education for existing employees in the fields of mechatronics. This involves planning, organizing, and delivering effective training programs to develop technical skills and knowledge among trainees.

What Can You Expect From ALPLA

• Health and Wellness Care Program
  - Benefits
• Child Care Benefits
• Dependent Care Cost Savings Program
• Recognition programs;
  Promotional opportunities
• 401K Retirement Plan and excellent Matching Plan
• Education assistance program/tuition reimbursement
• Short term, long term and life insurance paid by ALPLA
• Paid vacation; paid holidays

What You Would Enjoy Doing

• Plan and organize training sessions for apprentices and existing employees, ensuring alignment with curriculum requirements and organizational goals.
• Provide necessary materials, machines, and tools for hands-on training activities, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
• Develop training documents and materials, including manuals, presentations, and simulations, to support instructional delivery.
• Conduct training sessions covering key qualifications and technical competencies, utilizing various instructional methods to engage learners.
• Organize and facilitate tutoring sessions to support apprentices' learning progress, offering guidance and assistance as needed.
• Prepare apprentices for final exams through comprehensive review sessions and practice assessments.
• Review and provide constructive feedback on departmental tests, project work, and technical discussions to assess trainees' progress.
• Coordinate external and internal training initiatives, collaborating with HR and other stakeholders to enhance learning opportunities.
• Design and deliver guided tours and presentations for school classes to promote vocational education and attract future apprentices.
• Participate in internal and external apprentice events, fostering engagement and networking among trainees and industry professionals.
• Assist in the recruitment process for future apprentices by promoting apprenticeship programs and conducting informational sessions.

Performance Metrics:

Training Delivery & Curriculum Execution

• Effective delivery of technical training modules, hands-on instruction, and assessments aligned with ALPLA standards and ICATT/Kirkwood requirements.
• Timely execution of training plans and lesson schedules in accordance with the apprenticeship roadmap.
• Measurable improvement in apprentice technical skills, knowledge, and workplace readiness.
• Successful completion rates of apprentices in required training milestones, coursework, exams, and certifications.
• Identification of skill gaps and implementation of targeted development actions.

Quality & Training Effectiveness

• Consistent application of ALPLA quality standards within all training activities.
• Accuracy and relevance of training content related to production processes and equipment.
• Reduction in repeat errors, rework, or quality deviations among apprentices under supervision.

Safety Leadership & Compliance

• Demonstration of strong safety leadership and role modeling of ALPLA safety culture.
• Ensuring apprentices follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.
• Zero tolerance for unsafe behavior in training and production-support environments.

Production & Operational Support

• Effective coordination with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to align training with operational needs.
• Ensuring apprentices are prepared to safely support machine operation, setups, and maintenance activities without negatively impacting production.

Attendance, Reliability & Professionalism

• Consistent attendance, punctuality, and availability to support apprentices at the Learning & Development Hub and on the shop floor.
• Professional conduct, accountability, and reliability in all trainer responsibilities.

Coaching, Communication & Collaboration

• Clear, structured communication with apprentices, fellow trainers, plant leadership, HR, and external partners (e.g., ICATT, Kirkwood).
• Constructive coaching, mentoring, and feedback that supports…