Jim's Cover Pass: What qualities make a good adjunct weld instructor?

Veteran weld trainer Jim Mosman outlines what tech schools and community colleges should look for in an adjunct welding instructor. Getty Images

Q: Our community college welding program has continued to expand to the point where I have requested a part-time adjunct instructor to help during our night program. What are some things we should look for when hiring an adjunct instructor?

A: Congratulations to you on the growth of your welding program. It is always a good sign when the enrollment numbers determine a need for additional instructors.

You can use the adjunct instructor position in a couple of ways. First, consider using the position only for specific times and subject matter, such as an evening instructor for a pipe welding class. Second, you could use the position as a trial run that may lead to a full-time position.

It is important to consider the prospective adjunct instructor’s background. If this individual is a former student, they will have a good understanding of the facility and the program goals. If it’s someone from industry with a variety of work experience, they could bring fresh ideas and a varied outlook to the program.

Most educational systems require instructors to have at minimum an associate degree or another educational credential along with a minimum amount of work experience. You may even prefer the instructor have or obtain the American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector or Instructor credentials. With these certifications, you can almost guarantee they will have a strong understanding of technical welding.

Keep in mind that just because someone has excellent welding skills doesn’t necessarily make them the best instructor candidate. They need to be able to explain processes and procedures to a class of students with varying backgrounds and abilities. A person who truly wants to see the students succeed and enjoy a new career or hobby is someone who will be a good instructor. Communication—both verbal and written—with administration, other instructors, and students also is an important attribute.

Next, look for someone who is willing to take ownership of the program and wants to become a part of the team of instructors, not apart from them. I have worked alongside adjunct instructors who were great at communicating ideas and opportunities, arrived early and stayed late to clean up the labs, and participated in other campus events. I’ve also worked with individuals that showed up just to teach their class and left machines on, cylinders open, and tools broken. They communicated poorly with fellow instructors and students, and it became apparent they were just in it for the money. It usually does not take a full semester to decide if they will continue in that position.

This brings me to the last item: A good instructor is not in it for the money. It is about the students. There is a special feeling of satisfaction when you see a struggling student finally understand the process, pass a weld test, obtain a certification or degree, and get hired on at their first welding job. When the new instructor experiences these things, it serves as a reminder as to why they are in the education field in the first place.