Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Postsecondary CTE Instructor
What postsecondary CTE instructors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a postsecondary CTE instructor?
Set up the welding shop. From there, the day usually includes teach technical courses, run hands-on labs and shops, and prepare students for certifications. Day and evening classes; some programs run year-round.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a postsecondary CTE instructor working full time.
- Set up the welding shop.
- Teach safety before lab.
- Coach students on welds.
- Grade bend tests.
- Teach blueprint reading.
- Meet an employer about hiring.
- Order supplies.
Where postsecondary CTE instructors work
Instructors work in shops, labs and classrooms at community colleges and technical schools.
Hours and schedule
Day and evening classes; some programs run year-round.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach technical courses
- Run hands-on labs and shops
- Prepare students for certifications
- Maintain tools and equipment
- Work with employer advisory boards
- Place students in jobs
- Update curricula
Tools you’ll use every day
- Trade tools and equipment
- Training simulators
- Learning management systems
- Certification test prep
- Safety equipment
- Inventory systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Use your trade experience
- Help adults change careers
- Hands-on teaching
- Good hours compared to field work
What’s hard
- Pay can be lower than field work
- Equipment budgets
- Keeping up with industry
- Evening classes
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m skilled in a trade
- I like showing others how
- I’m patient
- I care about safety
- I want steadier hours
- I like helping adults change careers
Not sure? Take the free Postsecondary CTE Instructor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Teach shop safety before every lab
- Require PPE
- Inspect equipment
- Keep emergency procedures posted