Manufacturing Trainer

Reports to: Senior Manager, Workforce Development                                                

Department:  Workforce Development and Manufacturing

FLSA Classification:Hourly, Non-Exempt                                  

Travel: up to 10 %     

JOB SUMMARY:

 The Manufacturing Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering hands-on training programs for employees in a manufacturing environment, including individuals who are blind, visually impaired, have significant disabilities, and employees without disabilities. This role evaluates employee competency and performance, provides coaching and remediation training, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure employees can safely and effectively perform essential job functions and operate industrial equipment. The Manufacturing Trainer also supports process improvements, workstation adaptations, quality standards, continuous improvement initiatives, and measurable gains in safety, productivity, and job proficiency through adaptable training methods that meet diverse learning and accessibility needs.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learn and operate all relevant industrial manufacturing equipment and processes, including sewing machines, punch presses, hand assembly operations, and other plant equipment.
• Review and understand government specifications and quality requirements.
• Perform production studies on employees as required and maintain a database of production study results.

• Develop individualized and group training curricula to meet the diverse needs of employees who are blind, visually impaired, have other disabilities, and non-disabled employees.
• Adapt training techniques using tactile, auditory, and step-by-step instruction methods to support diverse learning needs.
• Assess employee learning needs and create tailored training plans to support skill development, independence, and retention.
• Offer refresher training, cross-training, and upskilling opportunities for employees seeking advancement or transitioning into new roles.
• Provide support and coaching in workplace behaviors, productivity strategies, and safety practices.
• Develop and maintain accessible instructional materials, guides, and job aids.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and motivating learning environment.

• Evaluate employees’ performance at the end of the 90-day orientation period and provide written feedback to the Production Manager and Supervisor.
• Monitor employee progress after training is complete.
• Develop training plans and make recommendations for employees who need remediation.
• Track training participation, document progress, and report outcomes to relevant teams.

• Make recommendations to Production leadership regarding employee progress in retraining and alignment with production needs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing supervisors, engineering and quality assurance teams, and workforce development staff to align training efforts with production goals and employee success.
• Assume additional responsibilities and perform additional duties as assigned. 

• Must be able to work rotating shifts as needed. 
• Demonstrate and embodies our values: Be Limitless, Be Resilient, Be People Centered, Be a Team, and Be Trustworthy 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s degree in education, psychology, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
• Experience delivering training, coaching, mentoring, or workforce development programs preferred.
• Experience working with employees with disabilities preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional best practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people with disabilities.
• Ability to learn manufacturing tasks and break them down into accessible, teachable steps.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to use computers and common software applications.
• Basic math skills.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive work environment for individuals with disabilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Must frequently use hands and arms to operate or demonstrate tools, equipment, or machinery.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and airborne particles.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed.  The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operations of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.

Please note: Under the AbilityOne Program, Vibrant Works gives hiring preference to individuals who are legally blind. Any decision to disclose a disability by an applicant related to the hiring preference is completely voluntary. Requesting such information is also a part of our affirmative action efforts. Information that is disclosed will remain confidential. Also, your decision not to disclose disability status will not have a negative impact in the hiring process.

Vibrant Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law