Apprentice Program Associate Manager

Are you passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing talent? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where innovation, mentorship, and workforce development intersect? Join our team and play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of skilled professionals. We’re seeking a visionary leader who is eager to make a lasting impact by empowering early career talent and driving excellence in our apprenticeship programs.

The Apprentice Program Associate Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the company’s apprenticeship and early career development programs within a manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with operations, technical leaders, and external education providers to build a strong pipeline of skilled talent, ensuring alignment with workforce planning and business goals.

Schedule: Monday - Friday

City: Lexington (US)   North Carolina    Contract Type: Full-time     Job-Code: 6753   Department: Other Technical / Production  

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB FUNCTIONS: (Job functions include but are not limited to the following)

Program Development & Strategy

• Design and implement apprenticeship programs aligned with workforce needs and skill gaps.
• Develop structured training plans, rotations, and competency models for apprentices.
• Ensure programs align with state and federal apprenticeship guidelines (e.g., DOL standards if applicable).

Program Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the apprenticeship program.
• Manage apprentice onboarding, scheduling, progress tracking, and evaluations.
• Maintain program documentation, compliance records, and reporting metrics.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with plant leadership, supervisors, and technical experts to support apprentice development.
• Collaborate with HR, L&D, and workforce planning teams.
• Build relationships with local technical schools, community colleges, and workforce boards.

Recruitment & Pipeline Development

• Lead recruitment efforts for apprentices, including outreach, events, and partnerships.
• Coordinate interviews, selection processes, and offer management.
• Promote the program internally and externally to attract diverse talent.

Training & Development

• Ensure apprentices receive high-quality on-the-job and classroom training.
• Monitor progress against skill benchmarks and adjust development plans as needed.
• Support mentors and supervisors in coaching apprentices.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with labor laws, safety standards, and apprenticeship regulations.
• Track KPIs such as retention, completion rates, and program ROI.
• Prepare reports for leadership and external partners as needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate program effectiveness and implement improvements.
• Stay current on industry trends, workforce development initiatives, and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE DEMANDS

• Office Standard: 8-hour M-F assignment; however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing and walking for extended periods of time up to 8 hours in a training and manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Working in office and industrial conditions including heat, noise, dust, and moving mechanical equipment.
• Reading computer screens, control systems, and production data.
• Use of various office and industrial tools or equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment.
• Regular interaction with production teams and on-site equipment.
• May require occasional travel to partner schools, job fairs, or training sites.

QUALIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE

• 3–7 years of experience in program management, workforce development, training, or manufacturing HR.
• Experience with apprenticeship programs, technical training, or skilled trades development preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred.

SKILLS, EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• Strong program and project management skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and skilled trades (e.g., maintenance, machining, electrical).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations.
• Familiarity with apprenticeship standards and workforce development programs.
• Data-driven mindset with ability to track and analyze program metrics.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

BENEFITS

Your Contact

Jessica Ostroska,  Talent Acquisition | EGGER North America   

+1 336 843 7152

EGGER, North America (including subsidiaries), is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship or immigration status (where legally protected), marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.