Industrial Arts Teacher - YouthBuild

About Us

Learning Works is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth and families through education, workforce development, and community-based support. The mission is: “Equipping Maine learners with the confidence and skills to realize their full potential.”

Through relationship-centered programming and experiential learning opportunities, Learning Works assists young individuals in building confidence, developing career readiness, and creating pathways toward long-term success. The organization fosters a collaborative and inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to bring compassion, creativity, and authenticity to their work every day.

Youth Build is a nationally recognized leadership, education, and workforce development program serving young adults ages 16–24 who may not have found success in traditional educational settings. Many participants face significant barriers to education and employment, including housing instability, interrupted schooling, poverty, trauma, justice-system involvement, or other life challenges.

Through vocational training, academic support, leadership development, and individualized guidance, Youth Build assists young individuals in building confidence, career readiness, and long-term pathways toward success.

Learning Works is seeking an Industrial Arts Teacher to provide hands‑on construction instruction and mentorship to Youth Build participants. This role combines workforce training, youth development, and community impact by helping students gain practical construction experience while contributing to meaningful projects in the community.

This role is primarily in-person, working directly with students in classrooms, workshops, and active job sites, with occasional opportunities for remote administrative work and planning.

Successful candidates understand that relationship-building is foundational to this work. Some program participants may initially demonstrate hesitation, inconsistent engagement, or limited readiness to participate due to prior educational experiences or personal barriers. Staff must be able to build trust, maintain clear expectations, and create a structured and supportive learning environment that encourages persistence and growth.

• Deliver engaging, hands‑on construction instruction in classroom, shop, and field settings
• Supervise students on construction and rehabilitation projects
• Promote safe jobsite practices and proper use of tools and equipment
• Mentor and coach youth in professional, academic, and personal development
• Build supportive and consistent relationships with students while maintaining accountability and structure
• Support student engagement, teamwork, and workplace readiness
• Collaborate with community partners, contractors, and workforce organizations
• Assist with lesson planning, project coordination, and program documentation
• Help foster an inclusive, relationship-centered culture within the program

• Experience in construction trades, carpentry, or construction management
• A relationship-centered approach to youth development
• Patience, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging situations
• Strong communication, mentorship, and conflict‑resolution skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practices
• Ability to motivate and engage young people with varying levels of readiness and participation
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with students, staff, and community partners

• Education:
  
  Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education, construction, youth development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth in educational, workforce, or community-based settings
  
  Demonstrated
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience in construction trades or construction management
• Driver’s License:
  Valid Maine driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to transport students in agency vehicles
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Ability to lift 35–50 pounds and work in active construction…