I was in the middle of developing an extensive course on quality assurance for a large corporation when my phone buzzed. Normally, I wouldn’t have given it much thought, as I was always busy with work, but something about the notification caught my attention. I glanced at the screen and saw that it was an email from Upwork, the freelancing platform that I’ve been using for years.
Curiosity getting the best of me, I opened the email and saw the job posting titled “Lecturer-Guest Speaker-Lab Work Design Post Secondary Manufacturing/Engineer Certification Course.” As I read through the details, I couldn’t help but feel giddy with excitement at the opportunity that lay before me. It was the perfect chance to apply my skills and knowledge to something meaningful and share my experience with others who were passionate about the field.
Without hesitation, I clicked on the link and started to read more. The post-secondary manufacturing/Engineer certification course was focused on the manufacturing industry’s skills standard council USA (MSSC) course curriculum and e-learning modules. I had extensive experience in this area, having worked on countless manufacturing courses throughout my career.
The coursework led to a national certification as a “certified” production technician, and the candidates would earn badges and be placed in a national database where employers could search for their credentials. It was a perfect opportunity to apply my skills and expertise to help others achieve their goals. I knew I had to apply, and I immediately started to work on my cover letter and application.
Upon reading the job post, my immediate thought is, “This opportunity is incredibly intriguing as it perfectly aligns with my expertise in manufacturing and engineering, and it offers a unique chance to shape the future of aspiring technicians through e-learning modules, a platform I’m passionate about.”
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The job posting piqued my interest for various reasons. Firstly, it combines my areas of expertise – manufacturing, engineering, and e-learning – into one unique opportunity, which is not just challenging but also quite exciting. Secondly, the role offers a chance to shape the future of industry professionals. The idea of creating courseware that has the potential to influence the career trajectory of individuals and consequently impact the manufacturing industry is quite appealing. Moreover, the responsibility of being a guest speaker and providing lab work designs emphasizes interactive learning, which I believe is the most effective way to teach complex subjects. Finally, the concept of the course leading to a certification adds a tangible goal for the learners, making the coursework more meaningful. In sum, this job posting is interesting because it promises to be a fulfilling role that makes use of my skills in a significant way.
As I read the job posting, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, taking me back to the time I worked on an ambitious project for a tech giant. The project revolved around designing an interactive eLearning training program for their new technicians entering the robotics department, with similar objectives to this new opportunity. The engaging journey of creating an intricate curriculum, further enriched with simulations and hands-on exercises, was as challenging as it was rewarding- paving pathways for novices to master complex manufacturing techniques.
The job posting jolted my memory back to a project I’d tackled a couple years back, developing an eLearning series for a post-secondary institute’s Industrial Safety program. In this endeavor, I had the fascinating task of crafting a comprehensive curriculum, juggling the roles of instructional designer, guest speaker, and even a lab work designer. It was a vibrant tapestry of knowledge exchange, cutting-edge skills, and real-world application, a role this new job seems set to beautifully replicate.
Position Title: Versatile Instructor, Guest Speaker & Lab Designer needed for Post-Secondary Manufacturing Technical Certification Course
Are you a passionate educator, eager to inspire the next generation of manufacturing technicians? We are in search of multi-talented individuals who can wear the hats of instructor, guest speaker, and lab work designer for our self-paced, industry-focused certification course.
Capitalizing on the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council USA (MSSC) curriculum along with dynamic e-learning modules, our course guides students towards securing a national certification as a Production Technician. We grant certified candidates digital credentials and badges, placing them in a national database for potential employers.
Our course is tailored for self-paced learning, but we meet virtually every week to delve into the concepts, theories, and module topics. As an instructor, you’d be required to streamline these topics, guide students towards completing the course in a 10-12 week timeframe, and prepare them for the final proctored exams. We value experts who can aid in designing lab exercises and interactive projects, making the course engaging and impactful for all.
Key areas that the coursework covers include:
– Manufacturing/Industrial Safety
– All aspects of Machine Operations (CNC/Welding/Robotics)
– Product Quality / Quality Measuring Tools
– Blueprint Reading
– Maintenance Awareness
While we offer open enrollment, we have plans to hold a cohort during the summer months.
As part of your role, you may suggest ideal places to review manufacturing operations and possibly aid in coordinating such visits.
Ideal candidates will possess skills and experience in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering, CAD & CAM Software, Quality Assurance, Quality, Health, Safety & Environment Management, Manufacturing, Workplace Safety & Health.
The remuneration for this role ranges between $25.00-$40.00 per hour, inclusive of lecturing time and office hours, not exceeding 8 hours per week for up to 12 weeks.
If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact through education and have the right skill set, we would love to hear from you. Applicants must be based in the United States.
(No references to applying was mentioned, so I didn’t include a call to action to apply.)
Conclusion and Feedback
As an Instructional Designer who has had extensive experience in working with manufacturing and engineering topics, I am thoroughly intrigued by this job posting. The opportunity to use my expertise to shape the courseware and directly impact the future professionals of the industry is genuinely enticing.
Plan of Action
My initial step would be to carefully craft a compelling response to the hiring manager, showcasing my expertise within the manufacturing technical certification coursework, my proficiency in relevant software applications, and my experience in creating engaging e-learning modules. I would also present a brief sketch of how I envision contributing to this course, focusing on a learner-centered approach.
My message might read something like this:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
I am an experienced Instructional Designer, specializing in developing courses for manufacturing and engineering topics. I am drawn to the multi-faceted role you’re offering and believe I could bring a fresh, learner-centric perspective to your course. I have found immense fulfillment in creating interactive learning experiences and am always excited to use this skill for meaningful projects.
Look forward to collaborating,
Adam”
Questions for the Hiring Manager
During the interview, I would ask questions related to the specifics of the job position like, “Could you share some details about the team I would be working with?” or “What are the key challenges that you foresee in the production of this course and how can I anticipate and prepare for them?”
Polite Decline
If this job wasn’t something I was interested in, I would respectfully decline by saying:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
I am thankful for your interest in my skills and expertise. However, after much consideration, I’ve decided that I will not be able to commit to this project at this point in time. I wish you all the best in finding the right fit for this position and may our paths cross again in the future.
Best regards,
Adam”
