Training and development officer
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
A training and development officer/manager manages the learning and professional development of an organisation's workforce.
Trainers equip staff with the knowledge, practical skills and motivation to carry out work-related tasks. Training officers either deliver the training themselves or arrange for a third party trainer to do so.
Training and development officers help with ongoing, long-term improvement of employees' skills, enabling them to fulfil their potential within their organisation.
The nature of the training and development role is industry-specific, with the level of responsibility and variety of activities dependent on the type and size of organisation. However, activities are likely to include some or all of the following:
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Although this area of work is open to all graduates/diplomates, the following degree/HND subjects may improve your chances:
Business-related or psychology degrees may gain some exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) examinations and will aid entry to specialised graduate schemes.
Entry into training and development is possible without a degree, particularly if relevant experience and skills have been attained.
Although a postgraduate qualification is not necessary, a Masters degree or diploma recognised by the CIPD will improve your chances of entry. If you have a postgraduate qualification that is not approved by the CIPD, you may still be able to get CIPD accreditation through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL).
Specialisation in training and development often follows general personnel experience, and new graduates are not always recruited straight into a training role. It is also fairly common to work your way up from roles such as assistant training officer or administration assistant.
Experience gained through activities requiring leadership and motivational abilities may boost your application. While still at university, consider getting involved in societies that enable you to develop organisational and teamwork skills.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Competition among graduates is increasing so those with good business/organisational skills could look for jobs in training administration as an alternative starting point and then progress into a training and development role.
If you are unable to find a paid summer placement in order to gain relevant work experience, try approaching employers about shadowing. Since this is unpaid and does not require specific training time they may be more willing to agree to it. Another alternative is carrying out some voluntary work though it may be difficult to find relevant opportunities.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is not essential, but it is often valued by employers.
CIPD qualifications are available at centres throughout the UK and can be studied part time, by block release or through open and e-learning. Employers often finance study for CIPD qualifications.
The CIPD also runs other relevant courses, such as the Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring, which develops understanding of the theory and practice of coaching and mentoring. This is delivered using a mixture of practical experience and distance and online learning. The course is taken at a pace that suits the student. Short courses and seminars on specific topics are also available. They are designed to fill any gaps in your knowledge and to update you on changes in training and development.
Alternative on-the-job qualifications are National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). They are available in learning and development at levels three, four and five. NVQs can also lead to CIPD membership.
You are expected to keep up to date with developments in the industry throughout your career and to network with fellow professionals. Opportunities for this exist through the CIPD annual conference and exhibition, and through reading relevant books, reports, journals and magazines (the CIPD has a large library available to members).
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
In order to become a training and development officer, you often need to have gained three or four years' experience in a related role such as assistant training officer or training administrator. From here, you can progress to higher levels which, depending on the size of the organisation, could include:
To reach the highest levels, you need to show great personal achievements within the field of training and development. It may be necessary to move from small organisations to larger ones in order to progress. High levels of career management skills may be necessary to take advantage of opportunities. Another option is to move into related work such as personnel, human resources or general management. With experience, it is also possible to become a lecturer in a college or university.
You may also decide to set up your own business as a self-employed consultant/adviser.
As your career develops, you can upgrade your Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) membership. For example, if you are a graduate member, you may become a full member after three years' relevant management experience.
Your own personal development is essential to progression. Documenting any continuing professional development (CPD) you undertake, be it through attending conferences, doing short courses or adding to qualifications, is important.
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
There are opportunities for training and development officers/managers in a wide range of private and public employment sectors as well as in organisations of all sizes. These include:
Opportunities also exist in commercial training organisations, such as information technology training providers and personal development training organisations.
The job varies from organisation to organisation: in some large retail organisations or training consultancies you could be working in a large team of training professionals and be responsible for a team of trainers. In smaller organisations, you might combine the training role with personnel functions and deliver more of the training courses.
People Management and Personnel Today mainly advertise higher-level jobs. Recruitment agencies also advertise in these publications.
It is also worth writing speculatively to training departments and organisations. Details can be found on the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) website and in publications such as The Personnel Manager's Yearbook .
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
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