Greater Iowa City, Inc. and the Iowa Workforce Development team were recently invited to visit ALPLA’s Iowa City facility and tour their new Learning & Development Hub firsthand. ALPLA’s $15 million local investment represents a significant commitment to workforce development, and it positions Johnson County as a key training center within ALPLA’s global operations.
ALPLA is an Austria-based plastics manufacturer that operates locations around the world, including its Iowa City hub and other midwestern facilities. The company produces dozens of different types of molded plastic products in Iowa City and thousands globally, incorporating recycled materials into its manufacturing processes.
The new Learning & Development Hub is a unique investment worth celebrating: a global manufacturer creating pathways for local talent while attracting new skilled workers to be trained in the Iowa City area.
A Regional Training Hub in Iowa City
In June, ALPLA officially opened its new Learning & Development Hub with a ribbon cutting attended by Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague.
The Hub serves three key areas: apprenticeship training, technical training, and leadership development. It supports employees and apprentices from ALPLA locations across the United States, bringing an international workforce development role to Iowa City.
The Hub is already making an impact. ALPLA’s first apprenticeship cohort is training there currently, and the company is actively hiring and recruiting for its three-year apprenticeship program in mechatronics and plastics processing.
During our visit, the Hub was already active with hands-on training and instruction for its first cohort of apprentices. The facility provides a dedicated space where employees can strengthen technical skills, develop leadership capabilities, and continue learning throughout their careers.
Creating New Manufacturing Pathways: Local Talent, Global Opportunities
The three-year program prepares apprentices for careers in mechatronics and plastics processing through fifteen training modules. Four trainers currently support the program, providing instruction in areas such as mechanical and electrical systems, mathematics, safety, drilling, and machinery operation, among many others.
Apprentices also spend approximately 30% of their time at Kirkwood Community College, combining classroom education with hands-on industry training.
ALPLA supports relocation for apprentices who move to the Iowa City area to participate in the program, opening the door for candidates beyond the region to pursue a career here. The company is actively strengthening Johnson County by attracting skilled talent from outside the county and bringing new residents into our communities.
Approximately 90% of ALPLA’s current apprentices are from Iowa, connecting local talent to a global career path. In their third year, apprentices can train at ALPLA facilities around the U.S., gaining experience in different operations and manufacturing environments.
By 2028, ALPLA plans to grow its Iowa City apprenticeship program to approximately seventy apprentices and six trainers, creating more opportunities for skilled careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for ALPLA and the broader Greater IC region.
Building a Stronger Future for Greater IC
The Learning & Development Hub brings together technical training, leadership development, education, and hands-on experience to help employees build valuable skills and long-term careers. ALPLA is currently accepting apprenticeship applications. Relocation support is also available for apprentices moving to the Iowa City area for the program.
Greater Iowa City, Inc. is proud to highlight ALPLA’s investment in our community and its commitment to developing the workforce that will help move the greater Iowa City area forward. ALPLA’s Hub represents new opportunities for individuals and a stronger manufacturing workforce for the region.
Reach out to Vanessa McMaster, Regional Talent Acquisition Coordinator at ALPLA, for additional information about their apprenticeship program.
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