IT trainer
IT trainers design and deliver training programmes in information and communications technology (ICT). In addition to their training skills, they are experts in one of two areas:
Trainers will develop expertise within their specialist areas, although those focused on the use of learning technologies could cover any content.
Typical work activities are likely to include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, the following degree/HND subjects may increase your chances:
Skills and personal qualities, such as an aptitude for IT and well-developed interpersonal and facilitation skills, are generally more important than degree discipline although specialised subjects do require more comprehensive computing capabilities.
Entry without a degree or HND is possible, but does require extensive subject matter experience.
Pre-entry experience is essential and it is possible to enter the profession after gaining experience in either computing or training. For desktop applications, experience of using a range of software packages is particularly useful. The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or equivalent qualification is useful, as is any experience of working with people. Technical qualifications and experience are important if you are delivering technical IT training.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
It is also useful to have an understanding of IT accessibility and usability issues.
Competition is fairly high for entry-level positions. Write speculatively to training providers, companies in the ICT sector, in-house training teams or educational institutions and keep an eye on the IT specialist press for vacancies. Many employers, particularly end-user organisations, prefer candidates to have some experience of the sector in which they operate, as it is essential for trainers to understand the business context for the training they deliver.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Trainers need to have knowledge in what they want to train and the training skills to deliver this knowledge. There is a range of courses available for both technical and desktop applications trainers and you need to do your research carefully to find out what courses are most appropriate for your needs.
Technical trainers will find that relevant technical qualifications are extremely useful and many training providers encourage or require their acquisition early on in a career. There are a number of options available, depending on your area of expertise, including courses to develop technical proficiency, as well as training qualifications. Qualifications include:
For those interested in desktop applications training, relevant qualifications include:
Training delivery skills are also important. Relevant courses in this area include The Training Foundation Trainer Assessment Programme (TAP). Some employers will provide fully-funded training courses in training, while others will provide time off for relevant courses or sponsorship for qualifications taken in your own time. Some will provide no training at all and will be looking for experienced trainers or those who already have training certificates, such as TAP, or are members of a relevant professional body such as the Learning & Performance Institute (LPI) or BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) . It is possible to undertake a few days’ intensive training or longer-term qualifications at a college or university. The IITT website has a database of IITT accredited training providers. Check this database when choosing a course.
Other relevant courses may be available from The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), an IT qualification body offering a range of qualifications for IT professionals, and e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology , providing the e-skills professional programme aimed at IT professionals in the early years of their career.
Further IT trainer training will depend on the employing organisation and the career aims of the individual concerned.
IT trainers work in a wide variety of environments and so career development can take many forms. This can include moving up to take a post as senior trainer, with responsibility for a team of trainers and the writing of training materials for other trainers to use. Training managers take a more strategic responsibility for learning and development within an employer's organisation and/or for clients, or undertake increased account management and marketing responsibility.
It also possible to move into a number of specialised areas of training that may be either content or deployment driven.
Once you have substantial experience it may be possible to set up as a freelance trainer or establish your own training company - a particularly attractive option for those who have a network of contacts already established.
Other options include moving into:
The use of IT is widespread and consequently there is a strong demand across all industries and environments for IT trainers with diverse levels of knowledge and experience. Typical employers include:
Within the IT industry, potential employers can be categorised as:
End-user organisations, companies for whom IT is not the prime business, generally employ trainers to ensure effective deployment of new technologies or the effective use of learning technologies.
Self-employment as a freelance trainer is an option for those with experience. This involves working either alone or in association with one of the trainer resourcing organisations.
Recruitment agencies commonly handle vacancies. For contact details of member agencies search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder.
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