Training officer
Training officers plan and run skills development courses for businesses and public sector organisations.
Also known as: Learning and development officer, skills trainer, IT trainer
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a training officer, you would:
- identify the training needs of individuals and organisations
- design engaging, appropriate and accessible learning materials and activities
- train individuals and groups online, face to face or both
- monitor trainees' progress and give constructive feedback
- measure the effectiveness of courses and supply data to managers
- make sure training is within budget
- keep up to date with changing technology and its use in training and development
Working environment
You could work at a training centre, at a conference centre or at a client's business.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a training officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
This role is open to graduates from all subjects. It can be particularly useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- business studies
- learning support
- computing
- psychology
- education and training
- human resources management
You could also study for a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Most degree subjects are accepted for entry.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.
Courses include:
- learning and development
- digital skills: teaching and learning
- facilitating learning and development
- International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) Advanced
You'll usually need to complete a qualification at level 3 or higher to work as a training officer.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:
- Learning and Development Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Learning and Skills Teacher Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
If you're looking to go into training management, you could do a Learning and Development Consultant Business Partner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships can take up to 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as an assistant in a human resources, recruitment or training department, and work your way up through training and promotion in the job.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need experience in training or teaching to be successful. Employers will expect you to have an understanding of their industry.
They will also want you to have a qualification in the subject you wish to teach. For example, a recognised computing qualification to train people in IT skills.
Other routes
You can take professional qualifications in learning and development , either online or at a training centre, approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a senior training officer, training manager or course assessor
- set up as a freelance trainer or coaching consultant
- work in e-learning development
- move into human resources management
- go into further education teaching
Career tips
You'll have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience and qualifications from:
- teaching in schools or further education
- working as a skills assessor
- using assistive technology in course design
Guides for this industry
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