Welding Instructor

ZipRecruiter; Chicago (IL); On-site; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated part-time instructors to lead Welding programs for high school students. This role involves teaching essential welding techniques, mentoring teens, and managing program logistics. Ideal candidates should possess a strong background in welding processes and safety, along with a passion for working with youth. The position offers flexible scheduling across summer, fall, and spring sessions, providing a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation in a supportive environment. Join a mission-driven organization that impacts thousands of teens each year and fosters their growth through hands-on learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in a related vocational program or equivalent experience required.
• Experience teaching teenagers is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide a 6-10 week session teaching welding to teens.
• Develop and implement engaging content-related activities.

Skills

Welding processes (GMAW, SMAW, GTAW)

Safety guidelines in a weld shop

Reading technical drawings or blueprints

Mentoring and teaching skills

Knowledge of aluminum, steel, and stainless welding

Education

Associates Degree in Applied Science in Welding Technology

Certifications in lieu of a university degree

Job description

Summary of Position:

After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach Welding programs for 12-30 high school participants (12:1, instructor: teen ratio) between the ages of 14 to 20 for 2025-2026. The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable program outcomes. The instructor will recruit, teach, and mentor teens and manage operational pieces such as program planning and budget creation.

This part-time position is scheduled for approximately 20-30 hours per week per program session.

Instructors must have a program curriculum plan. See ASM Program Planner.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guide a 6-10 week session for teens offering an introduction to welding in a fabrication setting.
• Educate a diverse population of teenagers on methods of GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW, with a strong coinciding element of welding sciences and associated skills.
• Develop, plan, and implement high-quality content-related field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.
• Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants.
• Participate in planning and program dates such as instructor professional development workshops, meetings, and other required sessions.
• Supervise teens at an average of 12:1, instructor: teen ratio.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of safety guidelines in a weld shop.
• A thorough understanding of combination welding processes and associated prep/finishing skills.
• Knowledge of aluminum, steel, and stainless welding processes.
• An understanding of the science of welding.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings or blueprints.
• Familiarity with schools and career pathways in welding industries and an interest in working with teens.

Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in a related vocational program, Applied Science in Welding Technology, or Applied Industrial Technology; equivalent professional experience accepted. Certifications are also accepted in lieu of a university degree. Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is required.
• Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.
• Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
• Commitment to the program is required.

Program Sessions and Schedules:

The typical schedule for program sessions is as follows:

• Summer: 6 to 7 weeks, daily Monday through Thursday/Friday (based on the program model), four instructional hours daily in the afternoon. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development, and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • Summer programs begin in late June 2025.
• Fall: 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday, 60-90 instructional hours (based upon the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development, and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • Fall programs begin in late September 2025.
• Spring: 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday, 60-90 instructional hours (based upon the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development, and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • Spring programs begin in late February 2026.
• Daytime during School Year (Fall & Spring): 9am-2pm. Exact program days are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
• Limited opportunities for Saturday-only programs are available.
• After School Matters has four program branches: North/Northwest, South/Southwest, Downtown, and Program Supports (special initiatives). Please note that Interstate-55 is an approximate dividing line between our North/Northwest and South/Southwest branches. This role is for the North/Northwest Branch at the 3435 N. Cicero Ave location.

Compensation: The pay rate is typically between $21-35 per hour based on experience and education.

About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond. ASM has engaged more than 400,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including three ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters’ annual operating budget is approximately $35M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.

EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, military discharge status, marital status, parental status, or source of income.