Welding Instructor - Talent Pool

About YouthBuild Brownsville

YouthBuild Brownsville is an independent, tuition-free workforce high school and Brownsville's first construction-trades magnet high school. We serve students in grades 9–12 (generally ages 15–20) and a GED/Alternative Pathway program for young people ages 16–24. Our students earn a high school diploma while training in construction trades, welding, and CNC/advanced manufacturing. They graduate with industry certifications, work-based learning experience, and a clear path to college or a high-paying career. Our mission: to provide a tuition-free, workforce-focused high school education that prepares students for high-demand, high-paying careers and homeownership.

Position Summary

YouthBuild Brownsville accepts applications year-round to build a pool of qualified Welding Instructor candidates for current and future openings. Candidates may be contacted as positions become available. Instructors teach high school and young adult students the skills, safety habits, and work ethic they need to earn welding certifications and launch careers in the trade. The instructor runs our welding shop, delivers hands-on and classroom instruction, and prepares students for industry-recognized credentials. This role works closely with our construction, academic, and pathways teams so every student connects shop skills to a real job or postsecondary plan.

Title: Welding Instructor Reports to: Pathways Success Manager and to Executive Director Location: Brownsville, TX (on campus) Status: Full-time, exempt Start date: As position becomes available

Key Responsibilities

Instruction

• Plan and teach welding courses covering safety, blueprint reading, weld symbols, metallurgy basics, and cutting processes.
• Teach SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes, plus oxy-fuel and plasma cutting.
• Deliver a curriculum aligned to NCCER and AWS standards and to Texas CTE expectations.
• Differentiate instruction for students at different skill and reading levels.

Certifications and career readiness

• Prepare students for NCCER credentials and AWS welder qualification tests.
• Track each student's progress toward credentials and keep accurate records.
• Partner with the Pathways team on internships, job shadows, and employer connections.
• Teach workplace skills: punctuality, teamwork, communication, and following a work order.

Shop and safety

• Run a safe, clean, organized welding shop and enforce PPE and OSHA practices.
• Maintain equipment, manage consumables inventory, and request supplies within budget.
• Make sure every student completes safety training before using equipment.

School community

• Build positive, structured relationships with students using our No Nonsense Nurturer and restorative practices.
• Collaborate with academic teachers, case managers, and construction staff on student support.
• Communicate with families and take part in staff meetings, advisory, and school events.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of professional welding experience in industry.
• Current AWS welder certification in one or more processes.
• Working knowledge of shop safety, OSHA standards, and welding equipment maintenance.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a shop environment.

Preferred

• NCCER Craft Instructor certification, or willingness to complete it.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Educator (CWE).
• Texas CTE certification (Trade and Industrial Education) or eligibility.
• Teaching, training, or apprentice-mentoring experience, especially with teens or young adults.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience working with students from underserved communities.

What We Offer

• Salary: Based on experience and certifications.
• Schedule: M-F 7:30 am to 4:30 pm following the school calendar.
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off.
• Paid professional development, including support toward NCCER instructor and AWS credentials.
• The chance to build a welding program from the ground up and watch students turn new skills into careers.

How to Apply Send a resume, a short cover letter, and copies of your welding certifications to dfourar@youthbuildbrownsville.org with "Welding Instructor" in the subject line. This is an ongoing applicant pool. Applications are kept on file for 12 months, and we contact qualified candidates for interviews as openings arise.

YouthBuild Brownsville is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and encourage graduates of YouthBuild and other trade programs to apply.