Apprentice Program Manager

About the Apprentice Program:

The KMI Apprentice Program provides a continuing pathway for young adults, ages 18-22, who are looking to enter college or the workforce. We’ve created part-time jobs, hiring on an as-needed basis, older, transitioning youth who have found it difficult to secure meaningful employment or determine their desired path in life. Through the program Apprentices improve their vocational skill sets while learning job readiness and life skills that can help lead them toward success. The Apprentice Program creates custom designed products for the general public, as well as a signature line of custom turned pens and laser engraved products (earrings, ornaments, plaques and more) that we sell in our on-site gift shop, online and to retailers nationally.

Job Description:

Ideal candidates will possess excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal, written and active listening skills are critical), have a high degree of business growth acumen (sales experience preferred), strong attention to detail, a love for teaching, and a positive attitude. Candidates should be comfortable managing teams in a collaborative and busy environment, be personable, self-motivated, and proactive. Candidates must have experience operating basic woodworking machinery, have experience in product design, custom fabrication from concept to creation, as well experience using a design software such as Corel, and V-Carve. Laser engraver and CNC operation experience is a big plus.

The Apprentice Manager will be responsible for:

• Take an active role in shaping the future direction of the program and our apprentices
• Oversee daily operations, including management of Apprentices, taking new orders, customer service, basic accounting, adherence to timelines and delivery schedules
• Teach Apprentice Team basic woodworking/carpentry skills, work with each to uncover career interests, cultivate individualized learning paths and help connect them to resources that will put them on the path to long-term gainful employment and financial self-sufficiency.
• Oversee quality and consistency of all products
• Work with Apprentices to research and create new product lines
• Oversee custom order requests
• Model for all youth the spirit of success at Kids Making It

Minimum Requirements:

• Woodworking knowledge and experience
• Empathetic and interested in understanding our students and their needs/interests/goals
• View safety as the single most important priority
• Able to occasionally climb stairway leading to upstairs classroom and offices
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• A patient person who is encouraging, positive, and proactive
• A person who thrives as a team player and who enjoys being a part of a small and hard-working team
• Must enjoy working with a wide variety of people, with a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances
• Must have reliable transportation
• Dependable and punctual
• The ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• The ability to stand on your feet for hours at a time
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• Prior experience working with and mentoring disadvantaged youth and/or disadvantaged young adults
• Secondary degree (Associates or Bachelors)

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Woodworking: 1 year (Required)
• Business management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Sales: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person