Sewing Machine Operator Trainer

Reports to: Quality Manager
Direct Reports: None
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay: $22.00–$24.00/hour

Position Overview: Administer instructional sewing lessons to students. Throughout the duration of the training period, provide transparent feedback to the student, HR, and their department manager.

Essential Job Functions 

• Lead hands-on sewing instruction using visual, auditory, and hands-on teaching methods
• Follow the Sewing Operator Training Checklist to ensure all students master key skills:
  • Machine safety, maintenance, and function
  • Material handling and garment quality
  • Standard sewing applications in apparel manufacturing
  • Production methods (team-based TSS flow or bundle production)
  • NSA systems and communication tools
• Create a learning environment that promotes skill retention, confidence, and consistency

• Provide clear, constructive, and ongoing feedback to students, HR, and department managers
• Conduct formal and informal performance reviews
• Track and maintain detailed training records and progress reports
• Identify when students:
  • Are ready for advancement or graduation
  • Need additional support
  • May not meet program expectations
• Collaboration & Program Support
  • Partner with Quality, HR, and Production teams to:
    • Determine class size and onboarding capacity
    • Align training with production needs
    • Recommend student placement after graduation
• Support development of Introductory Sewing Instructors
• Help drive best practices, efficiency, and organization within the sewing school
• Assist production teams with new product construction processes when needed

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Support lean and batch manufacturing training within production (as needed)
• Assist other departments as business needs change

Qualifications:

Experience

• 2+ years of industrial sewing experience (full garment construction required)
• Experience in efficiency-based sewing preferred
• Passion for teaching, coaching, and developing others

• High School Diploma or GED preferred

• Strong communication skills (Intermediate English required)
• Bilingual skills are a strong plus, especially Cantonese
• Basic computer skills (email, file management, navigating systems)

Key Competencies:

Attitude

• Approaching problems in a way that turns them into opportunities
• Maintaining a positive outlook on a consistent basis
• Persisting, refusing to give up

Initiative

• Recognizing and seizing opportunities
• Doing more than job requires
• Dependability, with regard to attendance

Achievement Orientation

• Setting challenging goals and measuring results
• Finding betters ways to do things (OFI process)

Analytical Thinking

• Setting priorities
• Thinking logically, analyzing situations systematically
• Anticipating obstacles

Self Confidence

• Presenting self in an assertive and confident manner
• Stating position clearly, respectfully, and confidently in conflicts
• Taking responsibility for and learning from mistakes

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Soliciting input of others and involving others them
• Working collaboratively with supervisor and peers

Physical Requirements: Standing and/or walking for long periods of time; lifting up to 35 lbs.

Working Conditions: Fast paced; high demand

Benefits Offered:

• Medical & HSA Plan
• Voluntary Dental & Vision
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability
• Life & AD&D Insurance (company-paid + voluntary options)
• Voluntary benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Legal, Identity Protection)
• Retirement Savings Program
• 10 Paid Holidays
• PTO & Paid Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonus Program
• Transportation Benefits (Chicago)
• Paid Leave (Bereavement, Jury Duty, School Visitation, Blood Donation)
• Confidential Employee Relief Fund
• Volunteer Opportunities

EEO Statement: National Safety Apparel provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, ancestry, age, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected group status as defined by law.