Make no mistake - there's a world of difference between software training providers. Our people are what make us special. Come join us.
We are currently looking for staff and contract instructors who are skilled and certified in:
- Adobe Software
- Macromedia Software
- Quark Software
This page contains questions and answers on how to get involved as an independent contract associate of Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc. If you are looking for W2 based employment, check out our jobs page.
Does Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc. use contract trainers?
Yes. About half of our classes are taught by a regular group of contract and specialty instructors. We are particularly interested in working with well-known authors and industry luminaries. Of course, we also form relationships with bright, talented, and motivated independent professionals who have invested time and energy in mastering the products we train on even if they are not yet published.
How do I get started as a contractor for Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc.?
The first thing you should do is fill out the contract instructor web form. Make sure you include your rates, your certifications, and your qualifications.
You should then should email a copy of your bio and/or resume as well as any cover letter or additional information you think will help us like you to jobs@ledet.com. Don't be bashful or shy. This is one of the most effective ways of communicating your talents to us.
How much do contractors make with Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc.?
That depends a lot on the individual contractor. We pay according to experience and are not afraid to pay above market rates for the best people. We'd love to hear from you, but please do let us know your asking rate..
How many classes might a contractor teach?
Some contractors are able to teach as many as 16 days a month. Others prefer just a class or two every now and then. We work with contractors to try and use the ones we like at the rate that best suits both their needs and customer demand.
How much travel is involved for contract trainers?
Since we have permanent locations across the US, we frequently fly contract trainers around for classes. We also do about 40% of our business on-site globally so that also involves travel. While we try to use local trainers first, if you don't live in one of our primary cities don't let that stop you from applying for our contractor's program. We try to accommodate both those who want to stay near home and those who like to travel as best we can. In general, the more travel you are willing to do, the more work you can obtain from us.
What sort of qualifications are you looking for?
To succeed at Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc., you'll need to be able to play a number of extremely challenging roles - leader, listener, problem solver, and above all, highly effective software trainer. There are three primary things we look for in our software trainers: Technical expertise, preparation, and attitude.
In the area of technical expertise, it is mandatory that our instructors will know the products they are training on very well. They must love to read and must be well-read on the application they are teaching. Not only must they have read the user manual from cover to cover, they should also be involved and active in related communities and discussion boards. Contract trainers for Adobe products must pass their Adobe Certified Expert before teaching for us, but do not have to have that designation before applying for our program.
In the area of preparation, instructors must be thoroughly familiar with the lesson plan and outline of the class they are going to teach. They should also have a repertoire of technical notes, their own examples and insights, and any additional tips and tricks they can bring to the class.
In the area of attitude, we are looking for people who love people as much as they love technology. While some people are real technical gurus, they enjoy showing off more than they enjoy helping those who don't know as much as them. We are looking for people who really enjoy seeing that spark of understanding in others, who are patient and empathetic, and who are fun and easy to get along with. They must also be extremely ethical, unafraid to admit when they don't know something, and great presenters who have poise and presence behind a podium. They've got to be good at managing a classroom as well, and handling students of various skill levels. Our motto when it comes to attitude is "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."
We highly recommend all of our trainers read and study the following two books:
The Complete Computer Trainer by Paul Clothier
Creative Training Techniques Handbook by Robert W. Pike, Philip Jones
In addition, we recommend programs like Toastmasters and the ASTD.
What sort of commitments must I make?
Contractors must sign an independent contractor’s agreement that includes a non-compete clause that states that they will not do business with students or companies they meet in our classes or through our company without billing for these services through Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc.
Of course, once you've agreed to teach a class, you must deliver the class and deliver it well. Contractors must guarantee their performance and expertise level. We use a standard independent contractor's agreement for this which you'll need to sign.
What are your payment terms?
We always pay our contractors within 10 to 30 days of delivery of a class, but usually much sooner. Frequently we can arrange to have payment made within a week of the end of the class if there are special needs.
What if I want to work full-time?
Sterling Ledet & Associates, Inc. also hires full-time instructors. We primarily look for people who have previous training experience, but occasionally hire college graduates or more entry-level people as well. The best path to full-time employment with our company, however, is getting started as a contractor. We have several regular contractors whom we'd hire in a second, but they prefer the freedom and flexibility of the independent contractor lifestyle. |
