Apprenticeship Technical Trainer - Plastics Processing

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, and more. ALPLA values their employees, work-life balance, personal growth, compensation and sustainability.

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
• Medical, dental, vision plan
• Education assistance program/tuition reimbursement
• Short term, long term and life insurance paid by ALPLA
• Paid vacation; paid holidays

What Will You 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

• • Apprenticeship training sessions in plastics (e.g., injection molding, extrusion) are delivered on schedule and meet defined learning objectives.

•Resource Readiness

• • All training tools, molds, machines, and instructional materials are maintained, calibrated, and restocked proactively to ensure uninterrupted sessions.

•Trainee Feedback

• • Apprentices and supervisors provide positive feedback on the trainer’s clarity, technical support, and responsiveness.

•Operational Support

• • Onboarding and technical training sessions are executed without safety incidents or logistical issues, including coordination with production and maintenance teams.

•Documentation Accuracy

• • Training records, apprentice progress logs, schedules, and safety documentation are kept accurate and up to date with minimal errors.

Tracking:

•Quantitative Tracking: Performance is measured using data from internal systems such as the Learning Management System (LMS), attendance logs, apprentice assessment scores, and training reports (e.g., NOAM quarterly training reports).
•Qualitative Feedback: Feedback is gathered from apprentices, HR partners, and production supervisors through surveys, informal check-ins, and structured 1:1 conversations.
•Self-Assessment: Trainers are encouraged to reflect on their training delivery, apprentice engagement, and areas for improvement prior to formal reviews.
•Manager Review: Conducted by the Head of Apprenticeship & Technical Training, this review combines data insights with direct observations and feedback from stakeholders to assess overall performance and impact.

Competencies:

•Ensures Accountability
•Decision Quality
•Communicates Effectively
•Instills Trust
•Collaborates
•Values Differences
•Drives Results

What Makes You Great

Qualifications and Requirements:

•Completed technical education in plastics processing with a focus on Extrusion-Blow-Molding technology preferred.
•Completion of trainer certification through the Corporate Academy or an equivalent accredited program
•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.
•Previous experience in a technical training role in plastics processing is mandatory
•Experience on Extrusion-Blow-Molding technology is preferred
•Background in Injection-Molding and Stretch-Blow-Molding is highly desirable.
•Experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and training program administration is advantageous.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is:

•Frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear
•Occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
•Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
•The noise level in the work environment is usually low

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #salaried #SVC #IOWA

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.