Description

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

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 and 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.

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000

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

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.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

5+ years construction experience / journeylevel 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