Job Description

About AOE International

AOE International is a nonprofit organization focused on community support, workforce development and education. We partner with public agencies, employers and community organizations to expand access to career training, industry credentials and employment opportunities.

Our workforce-development programs prepare participants for sustainable careers in construction, clean energy and related skilled trades.

AOE International is seeking an experienced Solar Installation Instructor / Technical Trainer to provide hands-on solar installation and construction-trades training to adult learners at the Vienna Correctional Center in Vienna, Illinois.

The instructor will prepare students for entry-level employment in the solar and clean-energy industries by teaching the fundamentals of photovoltaic systems, jobsite safety, construction skills, tools, equipment and workplace expectations. The position combines classroom instruction, instructor-led demonstrations and supervised hands-on training.

The ideal candidate is an experienced solar installer, lead installer, foreman, electrician, site supervisor or technical trainer who enjoys developing new workers and sharing practical industry knowledge. Formal classroom teaching experience is welcomed but is not required for candidates who have experience training apprentices, new installers or field crews.

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced solar professional to transition from full-time field production, roof work or project travel into a stable training role while helping prepare the next generation of clean-energy workers.

Key Responsibilities

Solar Installation and Technical Instruction

• Deliver classroom and hands-on instruction covering the fundamentals of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic installation.
• Teach students how solar energy systems operate, including the basic functions of modules, racking systems, inverters, wiring, disconnects, batteries and balance-of-system components.
• Introduce students to the major career paths within the solar and clean-energy industries.
• Demonstrate proper methods for measuring, laying out, assembling and installing solar mounting and racking systems.
• Provide instruction in basic electrical concepts, including voltage, current, resistance, series and parallel circuits, grounding and electrical safety.
• Teach students how to identify and safely handle common solar installation tools, materials and equipment.
• Introduce students to system plans, electrical diagrams, equipment specifications, installation manuals and construction drawings.
• Explain basic site-assessment considerations, including roof condition, orientation, shading, structural limitations and equipment placement.
• Teach proper wire management, equipment labeling, system inspection and quality-control practices.
• Provide introductory instruction in system testing, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Connect technical instruction to current solar-industry practices, employer expectations and entry-level job opportunities.

Construction and Credential-Based Training

• Deliver applicable NCCER Core curriculum, including basic safety, construction math, hand and power tools, construction drawings, communication, employability skills and material handling.
• Prepare students to complete required written assessments and hands-on performance profiles.
• Deliver or support OSHA-10 Construction or General Industry training in accordance with program and authorized-trainer requirements.
• Deliver or coordinate First Aid/CPR instruction and skills assessments leading to a recognized certification.
• Align lesson plans, hands-on activities and assessments with applicable credentialing standards and clean-energy workforce-program requirements.
• Prepare printed instructional packets and independent assignments to support continuity of learning during facility lockdowns or scheduling interruptions.

Hands-On Laboratory Instruction

• Plan and supervise realistic solar installation exercises in a controlled training environment.
• Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment, fall-protection equipment, ladders, hand tools, power tools and electrical testing equipment.
• Guide students through simulated installations involving racking, modules, wiring, conduit, inverters and related components.
• Evaluate students through observation, skills demonstrations, written assignments and practical performance assessments.
• Maintain an appropriate instructor-to-student ratio during hands-on training.
• Ensure students understand both how to perform installation tasks and why each procedure is required.

Safety, Security and Tool Control

• Maintain strict control and accountability for all tools, equipment, materials and instructional supplies.
• Complete daily tool and equipment inventories before and after instructional activities.
• Maintain secure storage areas, tool logs and equipment-issuance records in accordance with facility requirements.
• Enforce all AOE International, Illinois Department of Corrections and program safety procedures.
• Maintain an orderly, OSHA-conscious training environment.
• Model safe work practices and immediately correct unsafe student behavior.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment and appropriate housekeeping practices.
• Report safety incidents, damaged tools, missing equipment and security concerns according to established procedures.
• Respond to emergencies and facility incidents in accordance with Vienna Correctional Center protocols.

Learner Development and Support

• Provide supportive, respectful and structured instruction to justice-impacted adult learners.
• Use adult-learning, trauma-informed and strengths-based instructional practices.
• Break down technical concepts into clear, understandable and practical steps.
• Provide additional support with construction math, measurements, reading, terminology and technical documents when needed.
• Offer individualized coaching, tutoring, make-up instruction and reassessment opportunities.
• Monitor student attendance, participation, technical progress and credential attainment.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback regarding student performance.
• Develop individualized support plans for students who require additional assistance.
• Maintain professional boundaries and consistently apply classroom expectations.

Employability and Career Preparation

• Integrate communication, teamwork, reliability, problem-solving, time management and workplace professionalism into daily instruction.
• Teach students about solar-industry jobsite expectations, workplace culture and advancement opportunities.
• Help students understand common solar-industry positions, including installer, lead installer, electrician, operations and maintenance technician, site assessor and project supervisor.
• Support resume development, interview preparation and job-readiness activities in partnership with program staff.
• Conduct mock interviews and provide practical feedback based on solar and construction employer expectations.
• Help students translate their training, credentials and hands-on experience into marketable employment qualifications.
• Contribute to transition planning and connections with employers, apprenticeship programs, workforce agencies and community partners.

Program Coordination and Documentation

• Coordinate daily with facility personnel regarding schedules, participant movement, classroom access, room utilization and security procedures.
• Maintain a consistent instructor presence during scheduled instructional hours.
• Complete attendance records, lesson plans, assessment documentation, performance profiles and credentialing records accurately and on time.
• Maintain student-progress records and contribute information required for grant, contract and program-performance reporting.
• Communicate student progress, instructional needs, behavioral concerns and safety issues to appropriate program leadership.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional-development activities and technical-assistance sessions.
• Assist with curriculum improvement, equipment planning and instructional-material development.
• Maintain familiarity with developments in solar technology, installation methods, workforce standards and employer expectations.

Requirements

• At least three years of professional experience in solar installation, electrical work, construction, renewable energy or a closely related skilled trade.
• Demonstrated knowledge of photovoltaic installation practices, jobsite safety, tools, equipment and construction methods.
• Experience as a solar installer, lead installer, foreman, site supervisor, electrician, technical trainer or comparable field professional.
• Experience training, coaching, supervising or mentoring apprentices, new employees, students or field crews.
• Ability to explain technical information clearly to individuals with different educational and experience levels.
• Ability to safely demonstrate solar installation and construction tasks in a hands-on training environment.
• Strong organizational, communication and classroom-management skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and comply with strict tool-control, safety and security requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with adult learners from diverse personal, educational and employment backgrounds.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to the Vienna Correctional Center.
• Ability to successfully complete all required facility access, background-check, orientation and security-clearance procedures.

Certification Requirements

Candidates should possess, or be willing and eligible to obtain, applicable instructor and safety credentials. Depending on program requirements, these may include:

• NCCER Certified Craft Instructor certification
• NCCER Core certification
• OSHA Authorized Construction or General Industry Trainer status
• OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 certification
• First Aid/CPR Instructor certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or an equivalent provider
• NABCEP PV Associate, PV Installation Professional or another recognized solar-industry credential

AOE International may consider candidates who do not currently hold every instructor credential when they possess substantial solar field experience and can obtain required credentials within an established period following hire.