Automotive Instructor / Technician Trainer

ChangingGears; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement

Company Matched IRA Plan

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Job summary

ChangingGears is seeking an Automotive Training Program Instructor to equip the next generation of automotive technicians with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to launch successful careers. Through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and industry partnerships, you'll help students build brighter futures using your own automotive experience.

Responsibilities include delivering hands-on instruction, managing curricula, mentoring students, coordinating program operations, building

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience as an automotive technician with strong understanding of current repair practices.
• Previous teaching, coaching, mentoring, or training experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Willingness to complete and pass required TIA and S/P2 certifications upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on automotive instruction and ensure students gain employable technical skills.
• Provide individualized instruction and coaching to support student growth.
• Maintain and improve curriculum, syllabus, and instructional materials.
• Supervise hands-on training and demonstrations in automotive service.
• Mentor students through recruitment, training, job placement, and early employment.
• Coordinate enrollment support, attendance tracking, and classroom logistics.

Skills

Automotive technician experience

Teaching / mentoring

Communication skills

Organizational / multitasking

Basic computer skills

Education

ASE certification or equivalent

Job description

The Automotive Training Program Instructor equips the next generation of automotive technicians with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to launch successful careers. Through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and industry partnerships , you'll help students build brighter futures while using your own automotive experience in a meaningful new way.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction and Syllabus Management

• Deliver engaging, hands-on automotive instruction that equips students with the technical skills needed for employment
• Provide individualized instruction and coaching to students to enhance their learning experience, adapting instruction to support their growth and success
• Maintain and continuously improve the curriculum, syllabus, training schedule, and instructional materials to meet current industry standards and improve program outcomes
• Conduct practical demonstrations and supervise hands-on training in automotive service

Student Support and Communications

• Serve as the primary mentor and point of contact for students, providing guidance, encouragement, and regular communication throughout recruitment, training, job placement, and early employment
• Provide mentorship and support to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes adult education principles
• Partner with the ChangingGears and CityLink Client Services teams to proactively address student challenges and support long-term success

Program Administration

• Coordinate the day-to-day operation of the training program, including enrollment support, attendance tracking, academic progress, classroom logistics, equipment, supplies, and student records
• Administer student assessments, including the TIA exam
• Train and support volunteers who assist with the program

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with industry employers and local automotive businesses, to ensure students receive an exceptional training experience and graduates meet workforce needs
• Collaborate with other ChangingGears programs and training partners to create a consistent client experience

Career Placement and Retention Support

• Support graduates in securing employment by cultivating employer relationships, coordinating shop tours, and connecting students with career opportunities
• Conduct workplace visits with recent graduates to provide ongoing support and promote job retention

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Represent ChangingGears and the Technician Training Program at recruiting events, workshops, graduations, and community activities
• Support the broader mission of ChangingGears through collaboration across programs and other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ChangingGears
• Ability to teach, mentor, and motivate adult learners while managing multiple priorities
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficient in basic computer applications
• Pass pre-employment drug screening and background check
• Valid driver’s license with no more than 2 moving violations and/or at-fault accidents on driving record within the past 2 years
• No drug or alcohol-related convictions on driving record within the past 5 years (DUI/DWI)
• Willingness to complete and pass the required TIA and S/P2 certifications upon hire

Experience/Certification Requirements

• Significant professional experience as an automotive technician, with a strong understanding of current repair practices and industry standards
• Previous teaching, coaching, mentoring, or training experience
• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification or equivalent credentials preferred
• Previous experience in automotive training or a related field is preferred

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods while instructing
• Able to perform in an automotive shop with no air conditioning
• Able to perform hands-on automotive tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds

Time Commitment & Classification

• Full-Time (approx 40 hours per week) Exempt
• Hours are generally Monday - Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM on site at ChangingGears
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for special events or meetings
• Reports to Program Director
• Salary dependent upon experience
• Company Matched IRA Plan
• Paid Vacation & Holidays

Position Overview

The Automotive Training Program Instructor equips the next generation of automotive technicians with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to launch successful careers. Through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and industry partnerships , you'll help students build brighter futures while using your own automotive experience in a meaningful new way.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction and Syllabus Management

• Deliver engaging, hands-on automotive instruction that equips students with the technical skills needed for employment
• Provide individualized instruction and coaching to students to enhance their learning experience, adapting instruction to support their growth and success
• Maintain and continuously improve the curriculum, syllabus, training schedule, and instructional materials to meet current industry standards and improve program outcomes
• Conduct practical demonstrations and supervise hands-on training in automotive service

Student Support and Communications

• Serve as the primary mentor and point of contact for students, providing guidance, encouragement, and regular communication throughout recruitment, training, job placement, and early employment
• Provide mentorship and support to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes adult education principles
• Partner with the ChangingGears and CityLink Client Services teams to proactively address student challenges and support long-term success

Program Administration

• Coordinate the day-to-day operation of the training program, including enrollment support, attendance tracking, academic progress, classroom logistics, equipment, supplies, and student records
• Administer student assessments, including the TIA exam
• Train and support volunteers who assist with the program

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with industry employers and local automotive businesses, to ensure students receive an exceptional training experience and graduates meet workforce needs
• Collaborate with other ChangingGears programs and training partners to create a consistent client experience

Career Placement and Retention Support

• Support graduates in securing employment by cultivating employer relationships, coordinating shop tours, and connecting students with career opportunities
• Conduct workplace visits with recent graduates to provide ongoing support and promote job retention

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Represent ChangingGears and the Technician Training Program at recruiting events, workshops, graduations, and community activities
• Support the broader mission of ChangingGears through collaboration across programs and other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ChangingGears
• Ability to teach, mentor, and motivate adult learners while managing multiple priorities
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficient in basic computer applications
• Pass pre-employment drug screening and background check
• Valid driver’s license with no more than 2 moving violations and/or at-fault accidents on driving record within the past 2 years
• No drug or alcohol-related convictions on driving record within the past 5 years (DUI/DWI)
• Willingness to complete and pass the required TIA and S/P2 certifications upon hire

Experience/Certification Requirements

• Significant professional experience as an automotive technician, with a strong understanding of current repair practices and industry standards
• Previous teaching, coaching, mentoring, or training experience
• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification or equivalent credentials preferred
• Previous experience in automotive training or a related field is preferred

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods while instructing
• Able to perform in an automotive shop with no air conditioning
• Able to perform hands-on automotive tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds

Time Commitment & Classification

• Full-Time (approx 40 hours per week) Exempt
• Hours are generally Monday - Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM on site at ChangingGears
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for special events or meetings
• Reports to Program Director

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary dependent upon experience
• Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement
• Company Matched IRA Plan
• Paid Vacation & Holidays

Why Join ChangingGears?

At ChangingGears, you'll do more than teach automotive repair– you'll help change lives. Every student you invest in leaves with the opportunity for meaningful employment and greater financial stability.

This role is ideal for an experienced technician who enjoys sharing knowledge, developing others, and making a lasting impact. You'll spend your days teaching, mentoring, and building relationships while continuing to stay connected to the automotive industry. With a predictable weekday schedule and a mission-driven team, you'll have the opportunity to use your expertise in a deeply rewarding way.

If this is you, apply today at www.changing-gears.org/jobs

To learn more about the Tech Training Program: https://changing-gears.org/programs#career-training