Skilled Trades Instructor

Copper Island AcademyCalumet, MI

About The Position

Copper Island Academy is seeking a Skilled Trades Instructor to join our outstanding educational team. Organization Overview: Copper Island Academy, located in the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, is a public school academy committed to preparing all students for college, work, and life success. We embrace a unique blend of highly effective Finnish education practices with traditional American ideals, fostering an environment that nurtures lifelong skill development. Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate Skilled Trades Instructor to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will inspire students by fostering hands-on learning, promoting career awareness in skilled trades, facilitating community engagement, and mentoring students in Skills USA and other industry credential programs.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 3 years of recent professional experience in a skilled trades field (e.g., construction, welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or related sectors).

Nice To Haves

  • Experience working with youth across a range of grade levels (K-10 preferred)
  • Teaching certification preferred but not required.
  • Proven ability to engage with industry partners and community stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills.
  • Passion for creating a hands-on, joy-filled learning environment.

Responsibilities

  • Skilled Trades Instruction Develop and deliver engaging, hands-on lessons for K–10 students, introducing foundational trades concepts in elementary grades and progressing to more advanced skills in middle and high school
  • Teach core competencies such as tool identification and use, safety practices, measurement, materials, and introductory construction techniques
  • Align instruction with curriculum goals and Finnish education principles, emphasizing experiential, student-centered learning
  • Foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and develop resilience through practical skill-building
  • Community Engagement Forge partnerships with local industry professionals to bring guest speakers, demonstrations, and mentorship opportunities into the classroom.
  • Coordinate site visits, job-shadowing, and hands-on experiences with local businesses and trades professionals
  • Engage the community in collaborative projects (e.g., small builds, service projects) that connect students to real-world applications
  • Hands-on Learning Integrate meaningful, project-based learning experiences that simulate real-world trades scenarios
  • Teach both technical skills (tool use, safety, blueprint reading) and employability skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving)
  • Create opportunities for students to design, build, and reflect on their work
  • Career Awareness Opportunities Introduce students to a wide range of skilled trades careers beginning in elementary grades, with increasing depth through grade 10
  • Facilitate activities and discussions that connect student learning to high-demand career pathways in construction, manufacturing, HVAC, and related fields
  • Help students explore their interests and strengths in relation to future careers
  • Skills USA and Industry Credential Attainment Mentor middle and high school students in SkillsUSA leadership development and competitions
  • Support students in working toward industry-recognized credentials (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER, or other entry-level certifications)
  • Provide hands-on training and feedback to prepare students for assessments and competitions
  • Assessment and Feedback Use developmentally appropriate formative and summative assessments to track student growth in technical and employability skills
  • Provide timely, constructive feedback to support continuous improvement and confidence-building
  • Collaboration and Professional Development Collaborate with K–10 staff to integrate skilled trades into broader academic learning
  • Help bridge academic and career-focused education across grade levels
  • Participate in professional development to stay current with industry trends, safety standards, and best practices in trades education

Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, & Dental Plans
  • 4% 401(k) company contribution
  • Life, ADD, STD, LTD 100% paid by the employer
  • Voluntary Plans Available
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