Arkansas Tech University

Overview

The Workforce Training Facility Manager and Welding Instructor at Arkansas Tech University supports regional workforce development through high-quality technical training and effective management of a workforce training facility. This role involves providing hands-on welding instruction while overseeing daily operations and ensuring a safe and organized training environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality instruction in welding processes such as SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
• Deliver hands-on training aligned with industry standards and workforce certification requirements.
• Develop lesson plans, training modules, and practical lab activities that support competency-based learning.
• Evaluate student performance through skills demonstrations, practical assessments, and certification preparation.
• Support training programs for credit and non-credit workforce initiatives, including short-term certifications.
• Assist in the development and delivery of customized workforce training programs for regional employers.
• Support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training initiatives when applicable.
• Maintain a safe and productive learning environment consistent with OSHA and industry safety standards.
• Oversee daily operations of the workforce training facility dedicated to technical and workforce development programs.
• Maintain welding labs, equipment, tools, and training spaces to ensure readiness for instruction.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of welding supplies, consumables, and equipment.
• Assist with procurement, setup, and maintenance of welding equipment and training tools.
• Coordinate facility scheduling to support workforce training programs and other initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and university policies related to shop and lab environments.
• Collaborate with the Business and Industry division of ATU Ozark to support workforce training.
• Assist with identifying workforce skill gaps and developing training programs to address those needs.
• Participate in outreach activities with industry partners to promote workforce training opportunities.
• Support initiatives aligned with state workforce priorities, including high-demand career pathways.
• Assist with demonstrations, workforce training events, and industry engagement activities.
• Maintain training documentation including attendance and certification records.
• Assist with workforce training reporting requirements for grants or initiatives.
• Support program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in professional development to remain current in welding technologies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of workforce development initiatives.

Requirements

• Knowledge of welding processes, fabrication techniques, and industry safety standards.
• Ability to provide hands-on technical instruction and skills demonstration.
• Ability to maintain safe and effective shop and laboratory environments.
• Ability to coordinate multiple training activities and facility operations.
• Ability to work effectively with students, adult learners, and industry partners.
• Commitment to workforce development and preparing individuals for skilled trade careers.
• Welding certification from a recognized industry organization such as the American Welding Society.
• Minimum of three years of industry experience in welding, fabrication, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple welding processes such as SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and/or GTAW.
• Knowledge of welding safety practices and OSHA standards.
• Ability to maintain and manage technical training equipment and laboratory environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, industry partners, and workforce development professionals.
• American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector or Certified Welding Educator.
• Experience providing technical training, instruction, or mentoring in an industrial or educational environment.
• Experience teaching in a technical college, workforce training program, or apprenticeship program.
• Experience managing technical laboratories, training facilities, or shop environments.

Additional Information

• Work is performed in classroom, laboratory, and industrial shop environments.
• Requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating welding equipment.
• Exposure to welding heat, sparks, fumes, and loud environments typical of welding shops.
• Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours to support workforce training programs.