Rivian hires Georgia Plant manager; Launches apprenticeship program

Rivian, a company in electric vehicle manufacturing, recently announced a development in its project towards the establishment of its second manufacturing facility. 

Arnhelm Mittelbach, an automotive leader with over 20 years of experience at Mercedes-Benz, has joined Rivian as the first Georgia Plant Manager. Mittelbach officially assumed his role on November 1 and will report directly to Chief Operations Officer Frank Klein.

According to the press release, Mittelbach's career includes noteworthy positions such as Plant Manager in East London, South Africa, and President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans in Charleston, South Carolina. He has held various manufacturing leadership roles across Germany, demonstrating a wealth of expertise and leadership in the automotive industry.

In addition to this appointment, Rivian introduced an apprenticeship program designed to cultivate a skilled workforce for its upcoming manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, Georgia.

This program is tailored to identify and nurture talent for future industrial maintenance needs through an intensive 24-month training period. According to the press release, local Georgia community colleges will accelerate in-person learning for the initial 24 weeks, after which all apprentices will travel to Rivian's flagship plant in Normal, Illinois for 12-18 months of hands-on training—a crucial component of the apprenticeship program, the company states. 

The State of Georgia's HOPE Grants will cover program tuition, while Rivian will cover incremental expenses such as textbooks and materials, the company said. Throughout the program's duration, all participants will be employed as maintenance technicians by Rivian.