Training officer
Training officers plan and run training and development courses for businesses and public sector organisations.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a training officer, you would:
- identify the training needs of individuals and organisations
- design engaging, appropriate and inclusive learning materials and activities
- deliver training online, in the classroom, or by a mix of the 2
- monitor trainees' progress
- measure the effectiveness of courses and supply data to managers
- make sure training is within budget
Working environment
You could work at a training centre, in an office or at a conference centre.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a senior training officer, training manager or assessor
- work as a freelance trainer or coaching consultant
- move into human resources management
- go into further education teaching
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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 competently
How to become
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
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
- communications
- 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
More Information
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
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
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 take a minimum of one year and 6 months 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
More Information
You could start as an assistant in a human resources, recruitment or training department, and work your way up by taking training and development qualifications on the job.
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 may also want you to have a qualification in the subject you wish to offer training. For example, a recognised IT qualification to teach IT skills.
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 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
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a training officer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.