TrainWV Network connects manufacturing professionals with teaching opportunities

Experienced manufacturing professionals who are interested in making the career transition to teaching now have a new resource to connect them to job opportunities in West Virginia.

Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) has launched the TrainWV Instructor Network (www.trainwv.org), an online portal where individuals can submit information about their qualifications and experience. When high school, community and technical college, and trades school jobs are posted that match their credentials, MAMC will notify them about the open positions. They choose whether to apply.

It takes less than five minutes to join the TrainWV Instructor Network, according to MAMC Director Derek Scarbro.

“Schools across our region often struggle to hire qualified instructors to teach machining, welding, robotics, industrial maintenance and other manufacturing-related classes,” Scarbro said. “Meanwhile, those considering a new career in education often don’t know where to turn. The TrainWV Instructor Network is built to bridge this divide.”

Career and technical education teaching positions, particularly in high-demand fields, can be challenging to fill, as many qualified individuals are working in industry and may be unaware of teaching opportunities, said James Coble with the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education, adding that when positions remain unfilled, student access to these programs can be limited, and a school’s ability to launch or expand such programs may be delayed.

“Efforts that help connect skilled professionals with technical teaching opportunities can support the growth, development and sustainment of CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs by increasing awareness of pathways into education and strengthening connections between industry and the classroom,” Coble said.

Professionals looking for full- or part-time positions are encouraged to join the TrainWV Instructor Network, including retirees, those nearing retirement and out-of-state residents who want to return home to West Virginia to share their knowledge and experience with the next-generation workforce, Scarbro said.

MAMC will only share individuals’ information with schools hiring for manufacturing-related programs. 

More information is available at www.trainwv.org, including video testimonials from MAMC instructors sharing details about their journeys to teaching and the rewards of shaping the minds of today’s and tomorrow’s modern manufacturing workforce across West Virginia.