Where you’ll be based
Apprentices will be based in our state-of-the-art L&D hub and work in our Iowa facilities. The Iowa City facilities include Iowa City 1 (EBM) and Iowa City 2 (ISBM).
Iowa City 1 (IOW1) is an Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM) plant where this process uses High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to blow plastic bottles. The plant was opened in 2002 where today, IOW1 has eight machines and close to one hundred ALPLA Pioneers working on customer products.
In 2006 we opened Iowa City 2 (IOW2) focusing on Stretch Blow Molding (SBM). Once the SBM process was established, the Injection Molding Process was moved to this location. In 2008, we began making caps in the Injection Department. Now, IOW 2 has nine ALS machines, nine preform injection machines, and eleven caps injection machines.
The bottles you see on the store shelf made by ALPLA Iowa City would be Olay Body Wash, Old Spice, Pantene, Crest, Scope and Elvive shampoo and conditioner. As for caps, you’ll be familiar with our work on Mentos Gum and Olay lotion!
Partnering Organizations
Apprentices in our program will be working towards obtaining their Mechatronics AAS Degree and Certificate. Those accepted to our program will study at Kirkwood Community College and apply through ICATT.
ICATT
Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) is the leading apprenticeship program for manufacturers and companies with complex administration processes. It is the largest program fully benchmarked on the German Dual Education System – an approach recognized globally for its combination of company-specific knowledge, theory, and hands-on learning – resulting in highly-trained and flexible employees. Graduates 18 & up must apply through ICATT to be placed in ALPLA’s apprenticeship program. ICATT will screen candidates and secure the right match for our company and program.
Kirkwood Community College
Apprentices with ALPLA will need to be placed into the AAS degree program at Kirkwood before accepting our apprenticeship offer. The school will provide the RTI for the Mechatronics Registered Apprenticeship, which will include an IMT AAS.
Your training - more than just learning
An apprenticeship is a preparation for professional life. With us, you go from apprentice to specialist. During your apprenticeship, you will acquire the knowledge and skills you need for your future career. But we also look at you as a person. We'll support you if you're struggling with your studies or if you have any other problems.
You want to build the base for your future career within the best possible environment? Unlock your potential with ALPLA.
Shadow days at ALPLA
If you love what you see but are unsure of what it's like to work at ALPLA, then a shadow visit is the perfect opportunity for you to find out. Tours of our IOWA facilities occur every month. Prospective apprentices, educators, and counselors can schedule a visit to see firsthand how we make bottles by viewing both our EBM and ISBM plants.
Please reach out to Julie Underwood, HR Manager, to schedule a visit.
