Plastics Processing Apprentice
ALPLA, Iowa City, IA, United States
Plastics Processing Apprentice
ALPLA is a global family-owned, privately held company that makes innovative, customized, recycled packaging for top companies such as P&G, Unilever, L'Oral, Pepsi, and more. ALPLA values their employees, work-life balance, personal growth, compensation and sustainability.
What You Will Enjoy Doing:
Assist in setting up, adjusting, and operating plastics processing machinery, primarily Extrusion-Blow-Molding systems.
Support troubleshooting of process deviations, machine malfunctions, and quality defects.
Participate in routine production tasks such as material preparation, mold changes, cleaning, and process checks.
Monitor process parameters and assist in documenting production data.
Conduct basic quality inspections following ALPLA quality standards.
Learn and apply concepts related to plastics materials and processing technology.
Collaborate with team members to resolve technical issues and improve process stability
Assist in process optimization projects aimed at improving cycle time, material usage, and product quality.
Follow all ALPLA safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
What Makes You Great
Performance Metrics:
Training Progress & Skill Acquisition: Successful completion of required training modules, practical assessments, and ICATT/Kirkwood coursework within expected timelines.
Production Support & Productivity: Accuracy and consistency in supporting machine operation, completing assigned tasks, and contributing to stable production output.
Quality Performance: Adherence to ALPLA quality standards, correct execution of inspections, and reduction of repeat defects or rework.
Safety & Compliance: Following all ALPLA safety rules, proper use of PPE, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Attendance & Reliability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and meeting expectations for time spent at the Learning & Development Hub and Kirkwood College.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to collaborate effectively with trainers, technicians, colleagues, and leadership; clear communication and openness to feedback.
Measurable Goals Meeting or exceeding training milestones set by the Apprenticeship Technical Trainer. Maintaining quality inspection accuracy above expected benchmarks (e.g.,
Reduction in process interruptions caused by incomplete tasks Maintaining perfect or near-perfect safety compliance (0 safety violations). Completing required projects or exams by assigned deadlines.
Evaluation and Review Process Performance will be reviewed quarterly by the Head of Apprenticeship and trainers to assess progress against KPIs. Apprentices will receive constructive feedback, development goals, and additional support where needed. Annual evaluations will determine overall program progression, readiness for increased responsibility, and alignment with certification requirements. Performance concerns will be addressed with documented improvement plans and coaching.
Competencies:
Ensures Accountability
Decision Quality
Communicates Effectively
Instills Trust
Collaborates
Values Differences
Drives Results
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education: High School Degree required
Experience:
No prior plastics processing experience is required; however, a strong interest in manufacturing, mechanical processes, or plastics technology is preferred. Previous hands-on or technical experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Skills:
Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in industrial manufacturing.
Attention to detail and willingness to learn complex technical processes.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Effective communication skills and ability to follow instructions.
Interest in plastics technologies such as Extrusion-Blow-Molding, Injection-Molding, and Stretch-Blow-Molding.
Requirements:
Must participate in the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, including time at the Learning & Development Hub and Kirkwood College.
Ability to adapt to classroom, hands-on, and production-floor learning environments.
Commitment to completing the three-year apprenticeship and obtaining required certifications.
Willingness to follow safety requirements, GMP, and ALPLA company policies.
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).
ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits employment opportunities 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 qualification, 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.
ALPLA is a global family-owned, privately held company that makes innovative, customized, recycled packaging for top companies such as P&G, Unilever, L'Oral, Pepsi, and more. ALPLA values their employees, work-life balance, personal growth, compensation and sustainability.
What You Will Enjoy Doing:
Assist in setting up, adjusting, and operating plastics processing machinery, primarily Extrusion-Blow-Molding systems.
Support troubleshooting of process deviations, machine malfunctions, and quality defects.
Participate in routine production tasks such as material preparation, mold changes, cleaning, and process checks.
Monitor process parameters and assist in documenting production data.
Conduct basic quality inspections following ALPLA quality standards.
Learn and apply concepts related to plastics materials and processing technology.
Collaborate with team members to resolve technical issues and improve process stability
Assist in process optimization projects aimed at improving cycle time, material usage, and product quality.
Follow all ALPLA safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
What Makes You Great
Performance Metrics:
Training Progress & Skill Acquisition: Successful completion of required training modules, practical assessments, and ICATT/Kirkwood coursework within expected timelines.
Production Support & Productivity: Accuracy and consistency in supporting machine operation, completing assigned tasks, and contributing to stable production output.
Quality Performance: Adherence to ALPLA quality standards, correct execution of inspections, and reduction of repeat defects or rework.
Safety & Compliance: Following all ALPLA safety rules, proper use of PPE, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Attendance & Reliability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and meeting expectations for time spent at the Learning & Development Hub and Kirkwood College.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to collaborate effectively with trainers, technicians, colleagues, and leadership; clear communication and openness to feedback.
Measurable Goals Meeting or exceeding training milestones set by the Apprenticeship Technical Trainer. Maintaining quality inspection accuracy above expected benchmarks (e.g.,
Reduction in process interruptions caused by incomplete tasks Maintaining perfect or near-perfect safety compliance (0 safety violations). Completing required projects or exams by assigned deadlines.
Evaluation and Review Process Performance will be reviewed quarterly by the Head of Apprenticeship and trainers to assess progress against KPIs. Apprentices will receive constructive feedback, development goals, and additional support where needed. Annual evaluations will determine overall program progression, readiness for increased responsibility, and alignment with certification requirements. Performance concerns will be addressed with documented improvement plans and coaching.
Competencies:
Ensures Accountability
Decision Quality
Communicates Effectively
Instills Trust
Collaborates
Values Differences
Drives Results
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education: High School Degree required
Experience:
No prior plastics processing experience is required; however, a strong interest in manufacturing, mechanical processes, or plastics technology is preferred. Previous hands-on or technical experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Skills:
Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in industrial manufacturing.
Attention to detail and willingness to learn complex technical processes.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Effective communication skills and ability to follow instructions.
Interest in plastics technologies such as Extrusion-Blow-Molding, Injection-Molding, and Stretch-Blow-Molding.
Requirements:
Must participate in the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, including time at the Learning & Development Hub and Kirkwood College.
Ability to adapt to classroom, hands-on, and production-floor learning environments.
Commitment to completing the three-year apprenticeship and obtaining required certifications.
Willingness to follow safety requirements, GMP, and ALPLA company policies.
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).
ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits employment opportunities 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 qualification, 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.