IT trainer

As an IT trainer, you'll train others on a range of subjects based around information technology. You might be teaching specific software, equipment, more technical aspects, or general computer usage.

You may be supporting learners on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, or by facilitating large group training sessions. Some of the general IT skills you could teach include:

• how to use common desktop applications, such as Microsoft Office
• how to use company-specific software
• how to use internet browsers, such as Google Chrome, to manage everyday tasks, like finding information online, shopping, and managing money
• online safety, including protection from viruses and potential scams
• PC maintenance, which may include basic repairs.

Alternatively, you may cover more advanced technology, such as programming or web design. You could teach other skills, like project management or specialist applications, such as System Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP).

You'll work in a variety of places, including colleges, universities, training departments in large companies, or for training companies and consultancies.

You'll also be responsible for the application of learning technologies to transfer skills, in both IT and non-IT subjects. These include:

• e-assessment, sometimes called electronic assessment or digital assessment, which evaluate learning via IT systems
• enterprise content management (ECM), which supports how businesses and organisations store, capture, and access information
• performance management tools, which can be used to assess employee performance
• social networking, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube
• virtual labs.

What does an IT trainer do?

As an IT trainer, you'll typically need to:

• carry out a training needs analysis and define skill sets required to perform different roles
• conduct performance assessments to identify any gaps between current and desirable learner knowledge
• design training programmes appropriate to the skills needed, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced level
• develop a mix of formal and informal development activities
• create and maintain comprehensive training materials and documents, such as handouts, manuals, quick guides, exercises, videos, and blog posts
• prepare the learning environment and resources, including setting up IT equipment where appropriate
• support and coach learners using a range of learning technologies
• answer queries, provide advice on further learning resources, and troubleshoot any problems
• collect feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes and learning outcomes
• liaise with partners, such as external course providers, employers, examining bodies, and professional institutes to fulfil the skills needs of an organisation
• maintain accurate records of training activities, attendance, learner development, and resource allocation
• keep up-to-date with the latest developments in IT and incorporate them into relevant sessions.

In more senior roles, you may also need to:

• lead a team of trainers, providing professional support and advising on delivering training
• develop and implement an IT training strategy for an organisation
• support the overall development of IT services
• advise on IT projects.

How much does an IT trainer earn?

• Starting salaries for IT trainers in the UK usually average around £24,000. This will depend on your experience, location, and the type of employer.
• After a few years, you could earn between £29,000 and £43,000.
• As an experienced IT trainer in a senior role, you can expect to earn an average of £43,000, but this can be as high as £70,000.

Salaries can be higher for trainers in specialised or technical areas of work.

Rates of pay for freelance or self-employed trainers can be upwards of £550 per day, particularly for specialist knowledge, such as Microsoft Copilot. However, regular work is not guaranteed.

Additional benefits, including a company car, pension, laptop, phone, and bonus may be available depending on the type of employer and your role.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

What are the working hours for an IT trainer?

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and will generally be office-based. Dress codes vary, but you'll need to be presentable. You may also be required to conduct staff training outside office hours or at weekends. Travel, such as when visiting clients, may also be necessary.

Flexible and part-time work is fairly common, and career breaks are possible. It's vital you keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. There may also be opportunities for hybrid working, as well as overseas travel.

How do I become an IT trainer?

Although you can work as an IT trainer with a degree, foundation degree, or HND in any subject, the following may increase your chances:

• business
• computer science
• human resources
• information technology
• management.

You'll need to have knowledge in the area you want to teach in, and it's usual to have a recognised IT qualification. Personal qualities and training skills are also important, as you'll need to motivate learners.

Digital skills qualifications, such as the International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL), for example, are useful if you want to train end users (those who use the systems themselves), as they provide a good foundation in office-based applications.

Find out more from BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT). Microsoft Office Specialist Qualifications are also valuable for more technical and specific know-how.

You can enter without a degree or HND if you have a lot of experience using relevant IT systems and packages. You may work your way up from an entry-level IT job before moving into training. It's also possible to do an IT apprenticeship, combining paid work with study. It's also useful to have a relevant qualification in learning and development, such as those provided by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

A postgraduate qualification isn't essential but may be useful if your first degree is in an unrelated subject. Research courses thoroughly to make sure they meet your career aims. Search postgraduate courses in information technology.

It's also possible to move from an IT or teaching role into training.

Key skills for an IT trainer

You'll need to have:

• an aptitude for computing and updated knowledge of common software packages and IT systems, as well as skills in more specialist areas
• good oral and written communication skills, so you can design and deliver training in a clear and easy to understand way
• well-developed interpersonal and active listening skills to facilitate learning, as well as a strong level of organisation and project management, especially when managing group sessions
• confidence in training and presentation delivery, while also having a good understanding of teaching methods
• an understanding of IT accessibility and usability issues, such as learners who require screen readers
• a creative and flexible approach to learning and problem-solving
• self-motivation, with the ability to lead and motivate others, particularly if you're conducting sessions with other IT trainers or other computer experts.

You may also need a full driving licence if your job involves travelling to training facilities.

Where can I get IT trainer work experience?

Pre-entry experience in an IT or digital role is essential, as is a background in providing training. For desktop applications, you'll need experience of using a range of software packages. This includes tools that facilitate teaching, such as Zoom or Adobe Learning Manager.

Some degree courses include a year in industry where you can take this time to develop your skills and knowledge, as well as build up a network of contacts. You could also do a summer internship or work placement scheme.

Additionally, you can write speculatively to training providers, companies in the IT sector, in-house training teams, or educational institutions to ask about opportunities.

Experience of teaching or mentoring is also important. Any role where you're helping others to learn can be valuable. Examples include helping older people to use the internet or working with young people who are new to basic IT skills.

Many employers, particularly end user organisations, prefer you to have some experience of their sector, as it's essential that you understand the business context for the training you'll be delivering.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs IT trainers?

The use of IT is widespread so trainers with diverse knowledge and experience are in demand across all industries and environments.

Typical employers include:

• companies that have IT trainers as part of their permanent team
• IT providers offering training on their products and services
• learning technology providers, who train on the deployment of their technologies
• public and private sector users of IT.
• training providers
• universities, colleges, and other academic establishments where learners are students and staff.

Within the IT industry, potential employers can be categorised as:

• applications providers
• communications providers
• consultancies
• full-service companies
• outsourced services
• resourcing providers
• software providers
• system integrators
• thought leaders.

End-user organisations, in which IT is not the primary business, generally employ trainers to ensure effective deployment of new technologies or the effective use of learning technologies.

You can work on either a self-employed or freelance basis if you have experience. This involves either working alone or in association with one of the trainer resourcing organisations.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Contractor UK
• CWJobs
• IT Jobs Watch
• Women in Technology, which seeks to address the gender gap in the UK tech industry

Specialist recruitment agencies such as Blue Eskimo commonly handle vacancies. Jobs are also advertised in the IT specialist press and on professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn.

IT trainer career prospects and professional development

There are many professional development courses available for both technical and desktop application trainers. You'll need to research which are most appropriate for your career direction. Technical qualifications are also extremely useful if you're a technical trainer, and many providers will encourage you to acquire them early on.

Some employers provide fully-funded training, while others provide no training at all. Instead, they employ only experienced trainers or those who already have certificates. Others will give time off for relevant courses or sponsor qualifications which you'll take in your own time.

You'll also need to develop your training delivery skills. Providers such as TAP Learning (part of QA) run relevant courses in areas such as training delivery skills, facilitation skills, learning evaluation, and e-learning design.

Membership of a professional body is also useful for courses, events, news, networking opportunities, and advice. Relevant bodies include:

• BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT)
• Learning and Performance Institute (LPI)

If you're working for a large organisation with a permanent IT or training team, as your career develops you could move into a senior or lead trainer role, with responsibility for a team of trainers. Alternatively, you could take a more strategic approach to learning and development in a training or department manager role.

If you're working for a training company or consultancy, there may be opportunities to get more involved in account management, business development, or even marketing. However, you could choose to move into a more specialist area or progress into an area training coordinator role, responsible for training in a particular region.

Once you have experience and a network of contacts, it may be possible to set up as a freelance trainer or establish your own company. Other options include working as a lecturer in a further education (FE) college or adult learning organisation, or for an IT, or learning and development, consultancy. You could also move into related areas, such as project management, publishing, or technical writing.