Welding School Director

Salary: $175,000 – $225,000 (based on experience)
Incentive: Up to 20% performance-based annual bonus
Location: Bentonville & Gentry, AR
Employment Type: Full-time, On-Campus (Gentry)
Benefits: Relocation assistance, professional development, 401(k), and comprehensive benefits package
Reports To: Vice President, Head of Schools

Position Overview

We are building one of the most advanced trade training environments in the country, combining hands-on instruction with simulation, immersive VR training, and AI-supported learning systems to modernize skilled trades education.

We are seeking a Welding School Director to lead the design and launch of a high-quality welding training program that prepares students for successful careers in welding and fabrication. This leader will oversee curriculum development, recruit and manage instructors, and ensure the program aligns with industry standards, safety requirements, and workforce needs.

Reporting to the Vice President, Head of Schools, the Director will play a key role in building the program from the ground up while integrating emerging training technologies—including simulation, immersive learning environments, and AI-supported instruction—to accelerate skill development and help shape the future of trade education.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Leadership

• Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive welding training program from inception through launch

• Establish program goals, learning outcomes, and performance metrics

• Ensure curriculum aligns with industry standards, applicable welding codes, and workforce demands

• Oversee accreditation, credentialing, and compliance requirements as applicable

• Build a culture of continuous improvement by implementing innovative teaching methods, including simulation, AI-assisted instruction, and immersive learning technologies

Technology & Innovation in Trade Education

• Evaluate and integrate emerging training technologies such as AI-assisted learning tools, simulation platforms, and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) into the welding curriculum

• Collaborate with curriculum designers and technology partners to develop immersive learning environments that replicate real-world welding and fabrication environments

• Identify opportunities to accelerate learning outcomes using adaptive learning systems and simulation-based training

• Help position the program as a national leader in modernizing skilled trades education

Instructional Staff & Workforce Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise welding instructors

• Mentor instructors to ensure high-quality, consistent instruction

• Establish instructional best practices and evaluation processes

• Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement

Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve curriculum aligned with NCCER Welding Level 1 (6th Edition) while incorporating simulation, immersive learning technologies, and AI-supported training methods where appropriate

• Ensure hands-on lab instruction meets all safety, quality, and educational requirements

• Integrate industry-recognized training frameworks and best practices

• Ensure instruction reflects current welding processes, materials, tools, and fabrication techniques

Operations & Administration

• Manage program budgets, equipment needs, tools, and instructional resources

• Coordinate scheduling, facilities use, and lab operations

• Collaborate with administration, industry partners, and workforce stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and institutional policies

Industry & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with welding contractors, fabrication shops, manufacturers, and industry partners

• Support apprenticeship pathways, job placement, and workforce alignment

• Represent the program in community, industry, and advisory meetings

Required Qualifications

• Journeyman or Master Welder certification, or equivalent industry-recognized credential

• Minimum of 10 years of experience working in the welding trade

Preferred Qualifications

• NCCER Certified Instructor (Welding)

• Prior experience teaching or training apprentices or trades students

• Experience in program development, leadership, or supervisory roles

• Experience using simulation, VR/AR, or digital learning platforms in technical or workforce training environments

• Demonstrated interest in innovating trade education through emerging technologies such as AI-assisted instruction or immersive learning tools

Benefits

• 401(k)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Professional development support

Work Location: In person (Gentry, AR)