Workforce Training Instructor

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 56,826 - 80,934; Part time

Job summary

Oakton College is seeking a Workforce Development Instructor to empower adult learners with critical skills for today's economy. You'll be responsible for delivering training, refining curricula, and providing mentorship while ensuring a supportive environment for diverse populations.

This role requires a bachelor's degree and experience in training. The position offers flexible hours, with compensation set at $50 per hour, emphasizing direct community impact and collaborative curriculum development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor's degree or field-related credential.
• Experience in training and teaching.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and varying levels of experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging training and lead high-impact coursework.
• Adapt and update course materials to align with industry standards.
• Provide hands-on coaching to students.

Skills

Experience in training, teaching

Strong communication skills

Ability to work with diverse populations

Curriculum development

Familiarity with online educational tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or field-related credential

Job description

Job Description

Oakton College's Workforce Development programs aren't just teaching classes; we're changing career trajectories. As a Workforce Development Instructor, you will empower adult learners with the technical skills and professional "soft skills" required to thrive in today's economy. It is the responsibility of instructors to support the goals of the Continuing Education division and to create an effective learning environment for a diverse population of students. If you are passionate about community impact and have a knack for making complex concepts accessible, we want to meet you.

Instructors commonly needed for: Direct Support professionals, Instructors and Job Coaches for Neurodivergent populations, Landscape Maintenance, Real Estate Broker training, Trades (Manufacturing, Welding, OSHA?), and more.

What You'll Do

• Deliver Engaging Training: Lead high-impact coursework
• Curriculum Refinement: Adapt and update course materials to ensure they align with current industry standards and employer needs.
• Mentorship: Provide hands‑on coaching to students, helping them build confidence and navigate the transition into new roles.
• Progress Tracking: Assess student performance and provide constructive feedback to ensure high completion and placement rates.
• Instruction: Preparation of program learning activities and instructional materials, including being prepared for and meeting during the full scheduled times.
• Compliance: With departmental and institutional policies and procedures, including but not limited to submission of grades.

Who You Are

• Subject Matter Authority: You possess a minimum of 2 years of verifiable experience in the relevant field, with a deep understanding of current market trends and technical workflows.
• Adult Learning Specialist: You are knowledgeable about andragogy—understanding how to facilitate learning for adults through experiential activities, prior‑knowledge integration, and practical application.
• Outcome‑Oriented Facilitator: You don't just "lecture"; you facilitate. You have a track record of translating complex technical concepts into actionable skills that meet specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for student retention and certification pass rates.
• Inclusive Educator: You have experience working with "at‑promise" learners, career‑chasters, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, maintaining a high standard of psychological safety in the classroom.

Requirements

• Minimum of bachelor's degree or field‑related credential.
• Proven experience in training, teaching.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and varying levels of experience.
• Experience with curriculum development preferred.
• Awareness and knowledge of student learning styles and strategies to address such variety.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use online platforms as educational tools (e.g., Google Meet, Zoom, Learning Management Systems).
• Enthusiasm for teaching and learning of the discipline area.
• Willingness to support the goals of the Continuing Education division and create effective learning environments for diverse populations of students.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Directly contribute to the economic growth of our community.
• Culture: A supportive, fast‑paced environment where your ideas for curriculum improvement are heard.

Additional Information

• $50 per hour
• Hours and location vary

Equal Opportunity Employer