Trades Instructor- TPP

Revolution Workshop; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development opportunities

ICHRA medical reimbursement

Disability insurance (short/long term)

403b 3% match

Job summary

Revolution Workshop in Chicago, IL, is looking for an experienced tradesperson to teach the basics of construction within a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program. This full-time role will train a large group of trainees, emphasizing both technical skills and professional growth.

The instructor will foster a trauma-informed learning environment, support participants' career development, and prepare them for long-term employment in construction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years construction experience or journeylevel background.
• Moderate computer skills with Google G Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with diverse groups and maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan daily tasks for ~25 trainees and coordinate projects.

Responsibilities

• Implement technical aspects of the Pre-apprenticeship Construction Training Program.
• Provide hands-on construction lab training for NCCER Core Certification.
• Teach basics: tape measures, levels, PPE, and power tools usage.
• Lead projects like rough framing, drywall, wiring, plumbing, painting.
• Create a safe, efficient shop environment and mentor trainees.

Skills

Construction experience

Computer skills

Diversity experience

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Project planning

Workflow design

Adaptability

Tools

G Suite

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Revolution Workshop is a social enterprise that provides construction and woodworking
workforce development for unemployed or underemployed people in partnership with area businesses.
We deliver financial independence and careers through skills, hope, and resilience.

Direct Reports

This position reports directly to the Program Manager

Work Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm. Thursday, 7:00 am - 1:30 pm.
Occasional evening and/or weekend events required and will flex hours accordingly.

Position Summary

Revolution Workshop is looking for an experienced tradesperson that is passionate about growing the
future of construction in Chicago. This individual will be responsible for training trainees in the basics of
construction during our 12-week long pre-apprenticeship training program. This position is full-time and
year-round at our Chicago, IL training facility. RW instructors must invest in the technical knowledge of
our participants but also develop the growth of “soft skills” needed to be successful in the field. The
training at Revolution Workshop is completed through a trauma-informed lens and provides coaching to
help the trainees successfully complete the program and be placed into long-term employment.
Instructors always manage a crew of 25 or more trainees, so the ability to run a large crew is a must.

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Training

• Primary person responsible for implementing all technical aspects of Revolution Workshop’s Pre-apprenticeship Construction Training Program
• Provide hands-on experience and construction lab training for all modules of NCCER Core Certification
• Teach introductory construction topics such as: reading a tape measure, identifying level /plumb, safely using power tools, proper use of personal protective equipment, etc.
• Lead trainees through a series of hands-on projects, including: rough framing, cutting roof rafters, installing drywall, cutting stair stringers, basic electrical wiring, basic plumbing demonstrations, painting, etc.
• Simulate a job site environment in the shop, reinforcing: punctuality, hustle, critical thinking, quality control, teamwork, and communication
• Assess and evaluate the technical and behavioral progress of each trainee in the program, holding trainees accountable to their goals and the expectations of the program
• Build authentic relationships with trainees through the sharing of lived experience and adoption of Revolution Workshop’s coaching approach.
• Participate in weekly meetings regarding all trainees.
• Maintain a safe and efficient shop environment.
• Assist in showcasing the 12-week training program to non-profit partners and employer partners to inform the community about RW's programming.
• Support job site tours with trainees to learn more about the industry.
• Lead offsite projects with trainees and alumni during work experience and social enterprise projects

Teamwork

• Open the site location no later than 7:00 am on each day of training.
• Work with case management staff on identifying challenges and barriers to trainee success and help develop a plan with trainees to succeed.
• Occasional meetings and training at the East Garfield Park and Roseland RW locations.
• Collaborate with other instructors to ensure quality of training across all RW training sites.
• Assist in execution of facilities management as needed

Administration

• Maintain and organize all shop tools and equipment, maintain accurate inventory
• Proactively submit orders for all supplies and tools for trainees.
• Other tasks as assigned

It is the continuing policy of Revolution Workshop to take affirmative action to assure equal
opportunity for all current and prospective employees without regard to race, color, national
origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal
appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other
pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status,
religion or political affiliation, past convictions or incarceration, prior psychiatric treatment, or
any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Revolution Workshop is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Disability Specifications:
ADA: Revolution Workshop will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Work Environment:
This position is performed in a shop environment. While performing the duties of this job,
the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the
work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development opportunities
• ICHRA medical reimbursement
• Short term and long term disability
• 403b 3% match

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by
employees within the classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive
inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years construction experience / journeylevel experience. Strong background in carpentry, preferred.
• Moderate computer skills – Google G Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Gmail etc.), Microsoft Office, Excel, ability to learn new systems and databases
• Lived experience, or, at least two years experience working with diverse groups
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to plan and stage daily work tasks for approximately 25 trainees, breaking down larger projects into manageable assignments that keep all trainees engaged
• Demonstrated skill in workflow design: anticipating bottlenecks, sequencing tasks efficiently, and ensuring materials/tools are prepared and accessible
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Recognize and respond to emerging priorities, allow for flexibility in your schedule

Preferred

• OSHA 10/30 Certification and awareness of how to implement
• Knowledge and experience working with underserved individuals through approaches that emphasize resiliency, strength-based coaching, and trauma-informed care
• Experience coaching, mentoring or training
• Foreman, Crew Lead, or supervisory experience strongly preferred