First ALPLA Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City

ALPLA strengthens the training of skilled workers in the USA. The international packaging and recycling specialist is investing around 15 million euros in the construction of a state-of-the-art Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City. The building offers space for workshops, offices and training rooms. Completion is planned for mid-2025. Together with Kirkwood Community College and the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT), ALPLA is also introducing its apprenticeship programme in the USA.

With the first Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City, ALPLA is combining apprenticeship programmes, technical training and personnel development in one place. The international packaging and recycling specialist is investing around 15 million euros in this endeavour where the ultra-modern building offers space for workshops, offices and training rooms. Construction has just started, and completion of the building is planned for mid-2025.

‘Highly trained and motivated specialists are key to our success. With this all-in-one concept, we are creating attractive apprenticeships for young people from the region and training facilities for our existing staff,’ explains Tasos Pourloukakis, Regional Managing Director North America at ALPLA. 

Successful dual apprenticeship model

With the Learning & Development Hub, ALPLA is also introducing the apprenticeship model established in Austria and Germany to the USA. The dual system of practical and theoretical training to become skilled workers has already been successfully exported to China, Mexico, India, Poland and South Africa. In summer 2024, the first 12 mechatronics apprentices started their three-year training programme in Iowa City. The plastics technology apprenticeship is set to follow in 2026. Kirkwood Community College in nearby Cedar Rapids and the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) act as educational partners.