Tech U Program – Apprenticeship Program

Job Description

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a heritage of delivering iconic and innovative brands around the world. We are committed to nourishing the world while fostering a culture of ownership, agility, continuous learning, and curiosity. 

At Kraft Heinz, we believe developing the workforce of the future starts with creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and build meaningful careers. 

Position Information 

• Position: Line Tech Apprentice – Tech U Program 

• Location: Champaign Illinois

What’s on the Menu? 

The Tech U Apprenticeship is a development program designed to build the next generation of skilled technical talent at Kraft Heinz. 

The program combines structured classroom instruction with hands-on, on-the-job training at a Kraft Heinz manufacturing facility. Apprentices will progressively develop technical capabilities in equipment operation, mechanical systems, troubleshooting, diagnostics, preventative maintenance, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement. 

Throughout the program, apprentices will learn alongside experienced Kraft Heinz employees while completing technical coursework through a designated education partner. 

Apprentices must successfully complete all required coursework and training, demonstrate application of classroom learning on the job, and maintain a minimum C grade average throughout the program. 

What You’ll Learn and Do 

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will progressively develop the skills needed to:

• Safely operate manufacturing and production equipment. 

• Learn equipment start-up, shutdown, adjustment, and changeover procedures. 

• Develop structured troubleshooting and diagnostic skills to identify equipment and production issues. 

• Perform routine equipment adjustments and basic repairs as capabilities develop. 

• Conduct equipment inspections and identify potential mechanical or operational concerns. 

• Perform basic equipment maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and adjustment. 

• Support preventative maintenance, equipment overhauls, modifications, and installations. 

• Build an understanding of equipment reliability and how maintenance practices impact production performance. 

• Monitor equipment and production processes to support quality, productivity, and minimize downtime. 

• Apply problem-solving and root-cause thinking to equipment and production challenges. 

• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, quality, reliability, effectiveness, and cost. 

• Perform sanitation activities and follow established sanitation standards. 

• Complete applicable quality checks, including GMP, HACCP, weights, and other plant-specific requirements. 

• Follow Kraft Heinz safety, environmental, food safety, and quality standards. 

• Identify and report situations that could impact employee safety, food safety, product quality, or equipment performance. 

• Apply concepts learned through classroom instruction to hands-on manufacturing assignments. 

• Complete required training, assessments, coursework, and program milestones. 

• Perform other duties and training assignments as needed. 

As technical capabilities develop, apprentices may be assigned increasing levels of responsibility and may perform work more independently. 

What You’ll Build 

Tech U is designed to develop foundational and practical technical capabilities in areas such as: 

• Mechanical and equipment fundamentals 

• Troubleshooting and diagnostics 

• Preventative and precision maintenance 

• Equipment inspection 

• Basic equipment repair 

• Equipment reliability 

• Production line start-ups and shutdowns 

• Equipment changeovers 

• Root-cause problem solving 

• Food safety and quality 

• Sanitation 

• Continuous improvement 

• Manufacturing safety 

Specific training may vary based on the Kraft Heinz location, production equipment, education partner, and operational needs. 

Training Experience 

Tech U combines classroom instruction with hands-on manufacturing experience. 

Apprentices will divide their training between the Kraft Heinz facility and the designated education partner. 

Education Partner: MTS

Schedule flexibility is required. Training may occur on alternate shifts to provide exposure to production line shutdowns, sanitation, start-ups, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and changeovers. 

Apprentices are expected to report to both Kraft Heinz and the designated education partner at the required times and locations. 

Applicable Kraft Heinz attendance, conduct, safety, and program expectations must be maintained throughout the apprenticeship. 

Recipe for Success 

Candidates must: 

• Be at least 18 years of age. 

• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. 

• Meet all academic prerequisites and enrollment requirements established by the designated education partner. 

• Successfully enroll in the required apprenticeship coursework. 

• Successfully complete applicable Kraft Heinz apprenticeship selection steps and assessments. 

• Demonstrate an interest in developing mechanical, technical, and manufacturing skills. 

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, solve problems, and develop new technical capabilities. 

• Be willing and able to complete both classroom and hands-on training. 

• Maintain a minimum C grade average throughout the program. 

• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality. 

• Be willing to work a flexible schedule based on training and operational requirements. 

• Follow all Kraft Heinz safety, food safety, quality, attendance, and workplace requirements. 

Experience That Can Help You Succeed 

Previous Line Tech experience is not required. 

Candidates with transferable skills or experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: 

• Manufacturing or production 

• Mechanical or maintenance work 

• Automotive 

• Construction 

• Warehousing or distribution 

• Military technical occupations 

• Technical or vocational education 

• Skilled trades 

• Experience working with tools, machinery, or mechanical equipment 

Candidates who demonstrate mechanical aptitude, curiosity, problem-solving ability, and an interest in understanding how equipment works are encouraged to apply. 

Physical and Work Environment Requirements 

This position operates within a manufacturing environment. Specific requirements may vary by plant, department, and production area. 

Employees may be required to: 

• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 

• Stand and walk for extended periods. 

• Bend, reach, climb, push, pull, and perform other physical activities associated with manufacturing work. 

• Safely work around manufacturing equipment and machinery. 

• Use required tools and personal protective equipment. 

• Work in environments that may be hot, cold, wet, noisy, or temperature controlled. 

• Work overtime, weekends, alternate shifts, or other schedules based on training and production needs. 

Additional requirements may apply based on the participating Kraft Heinz location. 

Selection Process 

Candidates may be required to successfully complete multiple steps as part of the Tech U selection process, including: 

• Application and eligibility review 

• Talent Acquisition screening 

• Technical or mechanical aptitude assessment 

• Interview 

• Education partner prerequisite and enrollment requirements 

• Applicable pre-employment requirements 

Candidates must successfully complete applicable selection requirements to participate in the program. 

Completing Tech U and Your Career Path 

The goal of Tech U is to develop skilled technical talent with the knowledge and hands-on capabilities needed to support safe, reliable, and effective manufacturing operations. 

Successful completion of the 12-month apprenticeship requires participants to meet established academic, attendance, safety, performance, and technical competency expectations. 

By the end of the program, successful apprentices are expected to demonstrate increased technical proficiency and the ability to apply structured troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, and problem-solving practices in a manufacturing environment. 

Upon successful completion, apprentices may be eligible to pursue available Line Tech or other applicable skilled technical opportunities based on position availability, plant needs, applicable posting or bidding processes, and collective bargaining requirements where applicable. 

Position, department, and shift availability following completion of the program will be based on business and operational needs. 

Benefits 

Kraft Heinz offers benefit programs designed to support employees and their eligible dependents. Eligibility and coverage are subject to applicable plans, governing documents, employment status, location, union status, and other applicable requirements. 

Programs may include: 

Physical Wellbeing: Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and health screenings. 

Social Wellbeing: Paid time off, company holidays, leave programs, recognition, training, and development opportunities. 

Emotional Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programs, wellbeing resources, and family support programs. 

Financial Wellbeing: Retirement savings programs, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and disability benefits. 

Specific benefits and eligibility will be communicated based on the participating Kraft Heinz location and employment classification. 

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Champaign Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.