Training officer

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

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.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

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.

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
• using assistive technology in course design

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a training officer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

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

You could work at a training centre, at a conference centre or at a client's business.