Founding Instructor Needed
Help Teach the Next Generation of Tradespeople
BSA is looking for a founding trades instructor who wants to pass real hands-on skills to rural Illinois young adults. Retired, semi-retired, and experienced tradespeople are exactly who this program needs.
More than a teaching job
You would help build the first version of something rural Illinois needs.
BSA is being built for students who need more than a speech about careers. They need a place to learn, practice, ask questions, make mistakes, build confidence, and understand what real trade work looks like.
We are looking for practical experience in one or more residential trades: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, construction, maintenance, HVAC, general building, or related hands-on work.
You do not have to be polished or fancy. You need to be patient, safe, reliable, and willing to help young people learn the right way.
What you help teach
- Basic tool use and safety habits
- Residential trade fundamentals
- Jobsite expectations and work ethic
- Problem-solving and confidence
- The pride that comes from doing real work
Your Privacy Is Protected
BSA will never collect or store your Social Security number, banking information, driver's license, date of birth, or any other private personal data. We don't need it, and we don't want it. The only information we ask for is your name, your trade background, and your experience level — just enough to start a conversation about whether this is a good fit.
When it comes time to set up compensation, everything runs through your own EIN (explained below) — keeping your personal details completely out of our system.
A note on teaching and pension: BSA instructor roles are structured as classroom and lab instruction, mentoring, curriculum review, and safety oversight — not as jobsite electrical or plumbing work. If you have questions about whether teaching with BSA could affect your union pension or retirement benefits, we encourage you to check directly with your pension plan administrator. Every plan is different, and George is happy to provide a written description of the role to share with your plan office.
Get Started
Tell us about your trade background
This is not a formal application. It is a conversation starter. Fill out what you are comfortable with, and George will reach out to talk.
Simple & Free
How to Get Your Own EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a free tax ID number from the IRS. Think of it like a Social Security number for business purposes — it lets you get paid as an independent instructor without ever giving BSA your personal SSN. Getting one takes about 10 minutes online.
Go to the IRS EIN Application
Visit irs.gov/ein and click "Apply Online Now." The service is completely free and available Monday–Friday, 7am–10pm Eastern.
Select "Sole Proprietor" as Your Entity Type
When asked what kind of entity, choose "Sole Proprietor / Individual." This is the simplest option for an independent instructor.
Fill in Your Basic Information
The form asks for your name, address, and the reason you need the EIN. For the reason, select "Banking purposes" or "Started a new business." You do not need a business name — your legal name works fine.
Receive Your EIN Immediately
At the end of the online application, the IRS will display your EIN on screen. Print or save this page. That's it — your EIN is active immediately.
Share Your EIN with BSA When Ready
When you and BSA agree on an arrangement, you'll provide your EIN so we can issue payments. Your Social Security number stays private — always.
What Does an EIN Mean for You?
Your EIN is your professional tax ID. It means you can receive 1099 payments from BSA (or any organization) without exposing your Social Security number. It's free, it's permanent, and it's useful for any future freelance or independent work you do — not just BSA. You keep full control of your identity and your finances.