Packaging manufacturer ALPLA Inc. has opened a new Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City, establishing what the company calls the first apprenticeship program of its kind in North America.
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague and Austrian Ambassador Petra Schneebauer joined ALPLA leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the launch of the facility, Tuesday, June 9, which will serve as the home of the company’s paid, three-year apprenticeship program and provide industry-certified training for employees.
The hub is designed around three core areas: apprenticeship programs, technical training, and leadership development. Developed in collaboration with ALPLA’s global team in Austria, the center allows apprentices to train on advanced equipment while earning a fully funded degree and competitive compensation. Current employees will also have access to expanded upskilling and career development opportunities, according to a news release.
“Highly skilled specialists are essential to our success,” said Tasos Pourloukakis, regional managing director for North America at ALPLA Inc., in a statement. “This integrated approach creates meaningful opportunities to strengthen manufacturing expertise within ALPLA and the broader industry.”
The company said the investment is expected to create new career pathways, attract additional business and support regional economic growth.
“As the first program of its kind in North America, this Hub reflects ALPLA’s commitment to developing talent and building sustainable career pathways,” said Mirna Morcos, director of human resources at ALPLA Inc., in a statement.
ALPLA will begin enrolling its next apprenticeship cohort this fall. More information is available at education.alpla.com.
ALPLA is an international plastics packaging and recycling company with more than 25,000 employees at 206 sites across 45 countries. In North America, the company produces bottles and caps for the food, beverage, automotive, health, beauty and home care industries.
