Apprenticeship Technical Trainer - Plastics Processing

ALPLA Group; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness Care Program

401K Retirement Plan

Education assistance program

Job summary

A global packaging company in Iowa City is seeking an Apprenticeship Technical Trainer to deliver comprehensive training programs for apprentices and current employees focused on mechatronics. Responsibilities include planning and organizing training sessions, developing training materials, and ensuring alignment with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have technical education in mechatronics, strong communication skills, and a commitment to employee growth. This position promotes continuous development and offers a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Completed technical education in mechatronics or electrical engineering preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize training sessions for apprentices and existing employees.
• Develop training documents and materials to support instructional delivery.
• Conduct training sessions covering key qualifications and competencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in IT tools

Interpersonal skills

Education

Technical education in mechatronics or electrical engineering

Trainer education from Corporate Academy or equivalent certification

Job description

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 apprentice growth and engagement.
• Positive contribution to a collaborative, high-performance training team.

Measurable Goals

• Deliver all assigned training modules and practical assessments according to the annual training plan.
• Maintain high apprentice completion and retention rates within assigned cohorts.
• Achieve positive apprentice feedback scores on training effectiveness and coaching support.
• Ensure all safety-related training activities result in zero safety incidents or violations.
• Maintain accurate and timely training documentation, assessments, and progress reports.
• Support apprentices in achieving successful outcomes on ICATT/Kirkwood exams and certifications.
• Directs Work
• Develops Talent
• Nimble Learning
• Plans and Aligns
• Manages Conflict

What Makes You Great

• Completed technical education in mechatronics or electrical engineering preferred
• Completion of trainer education from the Corporate Academy or equivalent certification preferred
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in IT tools and software for training material development and delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for training-related assignments and events.
• Ability to adapt training methods and materials to meet the needs of different learning styles and preferences.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work effectively to meet training objectives and deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards in the mechatronics industry.
• Understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to create engaging and effective training programs.
• Previous experience in a technical training role, particularly in mechatronics, is preferred but not mandator.
• Background in maintenance of mechatronics systems or machinery is highly desirable.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and training program administration is advantageous

ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ALPLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ALPLA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ALPLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

· Immigration sponsorship is not eligible for this role