Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Internship Program

Job Description

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Internship Program – Future Manufacturing Leaders

This program is a unique opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of engineers and plant leaders within Ardagh Glass Packaging. It offers an immersive, hands-on experience for individuals passionate about manufacturing, providing a solid foundation in the glass packaging industry.

Role Description: Building Future Manufacturing Expertise

The PLTW internship program is a strategic initiative aimed at equipping future talent with the essential experiences and skills required for success within Ardagh Glass Packaging. This program is specifically crafted to bridge theoretical knowledge gained through PLTW coursework with practical, real-world manufacturing experience. Interns will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

• Glass Composition and Production Process: From raw materials to finished product, developing a deep technical understanding.
• Manufacturing Operations: Hands-on exposure to the intricacies of large-scale industrial production.
• Technical Skills: Practical application of engineering and manufacturing principles.
• Quality Control: Learning the rigorous standards and processes to ensure product excellence.
• Safety Protocols: Understanding and adhering to industry-leading safety practices in a manufacturing environment.

This internship is ideal for hands-on individuals committed to pursuing a fulfilling career in the manufacturing sector.

Job Responsibilities: Practical Application & Professional Development

The program is structured around engaging project assignments that are designed to build a strong foundation for a career in manufacturing. Interns will actively participate in various aspects of glass manufacturing operations, including:

• Comprehensive Orientation: Seamlessly integrate into the Ardagh Glass Packaging organization through a detailed orientation program, familiarizing yourself with company culture, processes, and key personnel.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Benefit from personalized guidance and support by being assigned to an experienced mentor within Ardagh Glass Packaging, who will provide insights, answer questions, and facilitate learning.
• Specialized Project Work (Approximately 50% of workload): Actively contribute to critical plant goals by working on special projects. These projects offer valuable hands-on experience, allowing interns to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges, optimize processes, and contribute to operational efficiency.
• Executive Presentation: Conclude the internship by delivering an end-of-internship summary presentation to the Ardagh Glass Packaging executive leadership team, showcasing project outcomes, key learnings, and professional growth throughout the program.

Minimum Qualifications: Foundations for Success

To be eligible for this enriching internship opportunity, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• High School Diploma: Demonstrating foundational academic achievement.
• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the internship.
• Availability: Ability to commit to and complete a full 3-month internship program, running specifically from May to August 2026.
• Academic Standing: Possess a cumulative GPA of a 2.6 or higher, reflecting academic diligence.

Preferred Qualifications: Standing Out from the Crowd

Candidates who demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:

• PLTW Coursework Completion: Prior completion of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) coursework, indicating a foundational understanding and interest in engineering and manufacturing principles.
• Career Ambition: A strong, demonstrated ambition and genuine interest in pursuing a long-term career within the manufacturing industry.

Work Environment: Safety, Travel & Compliance

Interns will experience a dynamic manufacturing environment that prioritizes safety and operational excellence:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory. Interns will be required to consistently wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, hearing and eye protection, steel-toe boots, and other specified safety gear.
• Travel Requirement: Must be willing and able to travel to the corporate office located in Fishers, IN, for the final week of the internship program to deliver the executive presentation and participate in closing activities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Operate in full compliance with all established FDA regulations, OSHA standards, and company-specific safety and operational policies.

About Ardagh Group: A Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging

Ardagh Glass Packaging stands as a global leader in providing innovative and sustainable glass packaging solutions. We proudly produce packaging for some of the world’s most renowned brands across various industries.

Our rich heritage traces back to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in 1932. Since then, Ardagh has experienced remarkable growth, evolving into a robust team of over 20,000 dedicated professionals with annual revenues exceeding $9 billion. Today, our expansive presence spans across Europe, Africa, and North America, making a significant impact on the global packaging landscape.

• Did you know that Ardagh manufactures many of the familiar cans and bottles that hold your favorite beverages?
• Did you know we specialize in producing both metal and glass packaging, which are celebrated as permanent materials? This means they can be infinitely recycled without any degradation in quality, supporting a circular economy.
• Did you know our vast production capabilities allow us to produce an astounding 160 million containers per day?

Ardagh is deeply passionate about sustainability and is widely recognized for its commitment to innovation. We consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible, pioneering advanced production methods, cutting-edge design techniques, and innovative ways to recycle materials and conserve energy. Our overarching aim is to minimize our environmental footprint while maintaining robust economic sustainability and strong social responsibility.

We firmly believe that the success of our business is intrinsically linked to the success of our people. We are dedicated to fostering working environments where our employees feel genuinely valued, are empowered to reach their full potential, and where their achievements are celebrated. At Ardagh, we provide exciting and rewarding career opportunities for talented and creative individuals. If you possess ambition and aspire to make a significant impact with your career, we invite you to join our team – you’ll truly enjoy the journey!

Ardagh Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to non-discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local law.

Ardagh Group fully complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and is dedicated to making reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. For assistance or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Kelly Molloy at kelly.molloy@ardaghgroup.com.