Workforce Training Instructor

We're looking for passionate educators, professionals and leaders to join our team. Whether in the classroom, student support, or behind the scenes, your talents and expertise will make a difference and shape the future.

We provide dynamic learning environments that empower students and employees alike with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie and a Health Careers Education Center in Evanston.

As a proud institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton is more than a college - it's a place where innovation, equity and lifelong learning drive everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and student-centered culture.

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. Further, it is the responsibility of instructors to support the goals of the Continuing Education division and strive 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-changers, 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

For information regarding employment eligibility, please visit our employment at Oakton web page.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Application Instructions

Please be sure to have a current resume, cover letter, and list of, at least, three (3) professional references with contact information prepared to submit with your application.

Oakton College conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law and in accordance with the Illinois Department of Human Rights Conviction Record Protection Act of March 2021.

Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required.

Oakton College does not utilize E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.

Working at Oakton

Inspiring and supporting the growth and education of students is a lifelong commitment. Oakton's commitment to its students starts with a dedicated team of skilled and passionate professionals like you. A team of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints can help unlock a student's passion in life, giving them the tools to think critically and support their community.

From faculty and staff to service and maintenance roles, we have many positions available at both the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses so you can share your skills and passion in an inclusive community that inspires generations of students.

As you support generations of students, Oakton offers generous benefits including medical, dental and employer-provided life insurance. In addition, you will enjoy an accommodating work schedule that allows you to balance an engaging career with a fulfilling home and personal life.