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Trade Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Performance Instructor-Wknds

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$19.85 - $24.15/hr

  • Medical

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  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You Will Do The RDC Performance Instructor (PI) is a DC Operations Team Member position ... and trade skills scholarships Business Travel Accident insurance Maternity and Parental leave ...

Showing results 21-40

Trade Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$20

$36

How much do trade instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for trade instructor in Virginia is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trade instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trade Instructor, you need in-depth expertise in your specific trade, relevant certifications or licensure, and experience in both the field and teaching. Familiarity with industry-standard tools, safety protocols, and instructional technologies such as learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse learners make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively transferring practical knowledge, ensuring safety, and preparing students for successful trade careers.

What is the difference between Trade Instructor vs Trade Technician?

AspectTrade InstructorTrade Technician
Required CredentialsTrade certifications, teaching credentials or licensesTrade certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, training centers, workshopsWorksites, repair shops, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, vocational schoolsManufacturing, construction, maintenance industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Trade Instructors primarily focus on teaching and training students in technical skills within educational settings, requiring teaching credentials alongside trade certifications. Trade Technicians, on the other hand, apply their technical skills directly in the field to repair, maintain, or operate equipment. While both roles require trade certifications, their work environments and employer types differ significantly, making this comparison relevant for those exploring careers in skilled trades.

What are some common challenges trade instructors face when teaching hands-on skills to adult learners?

Trade Instructors often encounter the challenge of addressing diverse skill levels and learning styles within a single group of adult learners. Many students may have little prior experience, while others may already possess some practical knowledge, requiring instructors to balance the pace and depth of instruction. Additionally, ensuring safety while demonstrating and supervising hands-on tasks is critical, especially in workshops or labs. Effective Trade Instructors use a mix of demonstration, guided practice, and individualized feedback to ensure all learners can progress confidently.

What is a trade instructor?

Trade Instructors are professionals who teach students the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for a specific trade, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or automotive repair. They typically work in vocational schools, technical colleges, or apprenticeship programs, providing hands-on training and classroom instruction. Trade Instructors often have years of experience in their trade and hold relevant certifications. Their main goal is to prepare students for successful careers by ensuring they meet industry standards and safety regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Trade Instructor jobs in Virginia?

For Trade Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Trade Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,637 per year, or $20 per hour.

Chesapeake Career Center-Teacher-Building Trades

Chesapeake Public Schools

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Chesapeake Public Schools rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Requirements
Chesapeake Public Schools
JOB DESCRIPTION
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
BUILDING TRADES INSTRUCTOR
Department: Chesapeake Career Center
Pay Grade: TCH
FLSA Status: Exempt
GENERAL PURPOSE
This teaching position provides direct instruction and supervision of high school students in the area of Building Trades. This program is a Virginia Department of Education-approved Career Technical Education program designed to meet a rigorous set of competencies that will prepare students with the skills and knowledge to either enter the workforce or transition successfully into a post-secondary education program in Building Trades or a related field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Instructs students in basic and advanced skills in:
    • Masonry
    • Carpentry
    • Electricity
    • Plumbing
  • Develop and follow an appropriate course syllabus for each course taught.
  • Develop content-related and appropriate instruction based on national, state and local curricula through a combination of classroom and laboratory experiences. Develop and execute lesson plans that lead toward student achievement of competencies in the area of Building Trades.
  • Develop and update, as needed, the curriculum for the program.
  • Present subject matter to students, utilizing a variety of methods and techniques, such as lectures, discussions or demonstrations; ensures use of classroom time is organized and that instruction and clean-up (if applicable) can be
  • accomplished within the allotted time.
  • Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts; responds to basic student questions; may initiate study groups in preparations for examinations.
  • Develop and enforces classroom protocols, rules and regulations; maintain classroom discipline; utilize effective classroom management techniques.
  • Provides a classroom environment that promotes active learning in the subject area.
  • Communicates responsibly with students, parents, colleagues, administration, and community members.
  • Manages and maintains program facilities and equipment.
  • Follows professional ethics in all work-related activities.
  • Prepare orders for the purchase of supplies, tools, equipment, and instructional materials necessary to support the learning activities.
  • Maintain inventory and repair records and ensure the safe and proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Remain informed of new trends, methods, materials, tools, and equipment in the Building Trades industry. Sets up and maintains all required equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma required, Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred;

Candidates must possess one of the following credentials issued by the Department of Professional Occupations, Board of Contractors:
Option #1:
(1) journeyman or master electrician license, or
(2) journeyman or master plumber license,
And,
  • evidence of at least two years of satisfactory full-time occupational experience within the past five years in the areas of carpentry, electricity, masonry, and plumbing, and
  • successful completion of the OSHA 510 and 500 Construction Standards trainer courses

Option #2:
  • Technology education endorsement, and
  • evidence of at least two years of satisfactory full-time occupational experience within the past five years in the areas of carpentry, electricity, masonry, and plumbing
  • successful completion of the OSHA 510 and 500 Construction Standards trainer courses
  • Experience must include reference letters of experience from any of the following: building officials, building inspectors, current or former employers, contractors, engineers, architects or current or past clients attesting to the candidates work in the trade.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of or ability to acquire appropriate license(s), certificate(s), and/or endorsement(s) for position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The instructor should possess thorough knowledge of education principles, practices and procedures; knowledge of procedures and techniques associated with construction and manufacturing duties; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures; the ability to prepare oral presentations and written reports; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and parents.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers, bend, and stoop. The job requires the employee occasionally to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift, push, pull or carry up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to seventy-five (75) pounds. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arms length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside environmental conditions. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

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