Welding Program Instructor

Welding Program Instructor (Part-Time)

Communities United — North Austin & Belmont Cragin (Chicago)

Communities United is seeking a skilled and youth-centered Welding Instructor to lead a hands-on after-school welding and fabrication program for high-school–aged young people. This role combines technical instruction, mentorship, and community-based project work in a supportive, creative learning environment.

Position details

Part-time, 25 hours per week

Program meets 9:00am - 2:00pm, four days per week

Pay: $24–$32 per hour, based on experience

Location: Austin, Chicago

Role overview

The Welding Instructor will guide participants through a progressive MIG welding and metal fabrication curriculum focused on safety, skill-building, teamwork, and real-world projects. Young people will learn how to use professional welding equipment and fabrication tools while building functional projects for their community. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, collaboration, and confidence-building.

This role will lead daily welding instruction, starting with shop safety, PPE, and basic equipment use and moving into layout, measurement, joint preparation, welding techniques, and finishing. The instructor will teach participants how to safely operate welding machines, grinders, saws, and hand tools while supporting them in planning and building individual and group projects. The instructor will create a welcoming, structured, and inclusive shop environment where young people feel supported, challenged, and proud of their work. You will track attendance and progress, communicate with program staff, and help maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized shop. Instructors will support Communities United staff in program evaluation metrics and measures.

Candidates must:
Have hands-on experience in welding and/or metal fabrication and a strong understanding of shop safety and tool use. Candidates must be comfortable working with young people in a learning environment and can explain technical concepts clearly and patiently. Teaching, mentoring, or youth work experience is a plus. You are reliable, organized, and able to work independently while collaborating with a larger team.

Physical requirements

This role requires standing for extended periods and safely lifting and moving metal materials, tools, and equipment.

How to apply

Please send a resume, a brief cover letter describing your relevant experience, and references to david@communitiesunited.org

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Communities United is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For questions about this position, contact David Pohlad at david@communitiesunited.org

Pay: $24.00 - $32.00 per hour

Work Location: In person