Construction Teacher- YouthBuild in Portland

About Us

Learning Works is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth and families through education, workforce development, and community-based support. Our 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 helps people build confidence, develop career readiness, and create pathways toward long-term success.

Youth Build is a nationally recognized leadership, education, and workforce development program serving adults ages 16-24 who may not have found success in traditional educational settings. Many participants face significant barriers to education and employment.

Through vocational training, academic support, leadership development, and individualized guidance, Youth Build helps people build confidence, career readiness, and long-term pathways toward success.

Learning Works is seeking a Construction Trainer to provide hands-on construction instruction and mentorship. 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.

Successful candidates understand that relationship-building is foundational to this work. Some program participants may initially demonstrate limited readiness to participate. 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
• Assist with lesson planning, project coordination, and program documentation

• Experience in construction trades, carpentry, or construction management
• A relationship-centered approach to youth development
• Strong communication, mentorship, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to motivate and engage people with varying levels of readiness
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with students, staff, and community partners

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in education, construction, youth development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth in educational, workforce, or community-based settings
• Demonstrated experience in construction trades or construction management
• Valid Maine driver's license with a clean driving record
• Ability to lift 3550 pounds and work in active construction environments

• NCCER Instructor Certification/OSHA certifications
• Experience in workforce development
• Experience towing trailers

Learning Works offers a competitive and employee-focused benefits package, including:

• Unlimited PTO after 90 days of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Medical and dental insurance
• No cost access to HRA
• Access to FSA and Dependent Care FSA
• Employer-Provided Short-term coverage
• Paid state holidays
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Retirement planning resources and support

• Full-time role
• 32-40 hours
• Typical hours are Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• $23.08-$25/hour depending on experience