Technical Operations Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 You Will Enjoy Doing
Main Responsibilities:
• 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.
Apprentice Development & Progression
• 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.
Evaluation and Review Process
• Trainer performance will be reviewed quarterly by the Head of Apprenticeship.
• Reviews will assess training quality, apprentice outcomes, safety leadership, and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Trainers will receive structured feedback, development objectives, and professional development opportunities.
• Annual evaluations will determine overall performance, readiness for expanded responsibility, and contribution to the success of the apprenticeship program and L&D Hub.
• Performance gaps will be addressed through documented development plans, coaching, and follow-up reviews.
Competencies:
• Directs Work
• Develops Talent
• Nimble Learning
• Plans and Aligns
• Manages Conflict
• Resourcefulness
Qualifications and Requirements:
• 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
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 but can be relatively high when working in the manufacturing environment.
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). #salary #SVC #IOW
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.