Full Time Woodworking Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

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

RW’s Core Values

• Accountability: We believe actions matter. We hold our trainees, graduates, employer partners, and each other to the highest standards of excellence.
• Compassion: We value lived experiences. We give each person we work with the individual support they need to succeed — whether that’s equipping them for their journey or simply offering an opportunity.
• Social Justice: We amplify the voices of those we serve to dismantle the systems that economically oppress black, brown, and underserved communities
• Integrity: We strive to do right by those we serve with an eye towards honesty, inclusion, and equity.
• Community: We value everyone who walks through our door. We’re a life-long safety net, cheer squad, and career network.

Nondiscrimination:

• 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 a nd 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.

Benefits

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

Required

• 5+ years construction experience / journey level 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

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..

Salary

$60,000- $67,500