Operations Leadership Apprentice

The Reels and Plugs division of Sonoco is the largest reel manufacture in the US. Over the past few years, our division has placed a significant emphasis on growing and developing leadership for the future of our manufacturing sites. The team is excited to announce and be recruiting for the first of its kind in Alabama, the Operation Leadership Apprenticeship Program
Operations Leadership Apprenticeship Program Overview
Operations leadership Apprentice is designed to develop future leaders within Sonoco. The program is designed to develop employees that do not yet have leadership experience but have a desire to progress through leadership roles (team leads, maintenance lead, site lead, supervisor, etc.). It is an 18 -24 month program that includes demonstrating proficiency in specific job competencies, 150 hours of related training instruction facilitated by ATN (Alabama Technology Network), and completion of an associate’s degree in variety of pathways. We are looking for employees that are committed to advancing their career with Sonoco through leadership pathways. Sonoco is activity working with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AoA) on getting this certified by the state similar to our Maintenance AoA program.

From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

The Reels and Plugs Division of Sonoco is the largest reel manufacture in the United States.  Over the past few years, our division has placed a significant emphasis on growing and developing leadership for the future of our manufacturing sites.  

Operations Leadership Apprenticeship Program Overview

Operations leadership Apprentice is designed as a version of our salaried Emerging Leader Program to develop future leaders within Sonoco. The program is designed to develop employees that do not yet have leadership experience but have a desire to progress through leadership roles (team leads, maintenance lead, site lead, supervisor, etc.). It is an 18–24-month program that includes structured leadership fundamental training, demonstrating proficiency in specific job competencies, and the completion of an associate’s degree in a variety of major concentrations. We are looking for employees that are committed to advancing their career with Sonoco through leadership pathways. Sonoco has worked with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AoA) to have this program certified by the State of Alabama (similar to our Maintenance AoA program).

Your time spent in the Operations Leadership Program will cover specific core objectives as follows (but not limited to): 

• Technical Skills Training - Safety, Quality, Scheduling, Customer satisfaction 

• Leadership Training – Supervisory skills, Performance Management, Mentorship 

• Business Insights - Accountability, Execution, Risk Taking, Budgeting 

• Culture Integration – including Communication, Collaboration and Innovation  

We want leaders who can help us live our purpose each and every day. Our core belief is the People Build Businesses, by ‘Doing the Right Thing’. To become a member of the Operations Leadership Program, you must have strong ethics, a passion for innovation, and be willing to go the extra mile. 

Candidate Requirements

• Eligibility for the program is open to current Sonoco employees in good standing, FAME/Maintenance apprentices, and EPIC/manufacturing apprentices. Candidates should have 1-2 years of manufacturing experience.
• Candidates that have demonstrated leadership qualities and aspire to progress into operational leadership roles yet aren’t currently in leadership roles.
• High performers, candidates that have demonstrated a strong work ethic, ability to work with others, accountability and are engaged in activities/teams outside of their normal job scope (Safety or Quality teams, SPS teams, etc.)
• Considering one candidate who is willing to relocate to Jefferson, Texas upon completion of this program

Selection Process

The people selected for this Job will be selected through an applic