Training Consultant Career

Job Purpose

Training Consultants identify training needs, and plan and organise training programmes. They match the skills, capabilities and ambitions of employees with an organisation's present and future staffing requirements. They may do this through job analysis, appraisal schemes or consultation with staff and managers

Activities

A training consultant works out the most cost effective and appropriate way to obtain training.  They identify training providers and select the most relevant courses, and these could be in the form of in house or external seminars, on the job coaching, workshops, distance learning, or computer based distance learning using CDs and interactive software.

Traincees may include school leavers starting their first job, graduates needing placements, and experienced employees preparing for more senior roles.  Training Officers monitor and evaluate training programmes by asking the trainees for their views.

The training consultant often plans programmes to help existing staff to develop their range of skills, or to learn how to use new equipment.  They need to keep up to date with the latest training methods and courses.

Often, training officers do not provide the training themselves; this may be the job of a supervisor or trainer. They may, however, produce training materials for in-house courses.

Training officers may have to visit training venues, such as hotels and conference centres to assess their suitability, so some travelling could be involved with this job.

Key skills    

Communication and interpersonal skill - you will need a high standard of English to be able to communicate and negotiate with people at all levels, take an interest in the development of their skills, as well as be able to motivate and encourage them.

Organisational skills - the ability to set objectives, meet deadlines and budgets, and plan ahead.

Numeracy and analytical thinking - numeracy and an understanding of statistics. Computer literacy is useful for planning and organising training programmes 

Remuneration

Salary levels vary depending on the size of company and the range of responsibility. The pay rates range from £14,500 - £18,000 a year, rising to £22,000 - £27,500. Higher earners can make around £33,000 a year.  

Working hoursTraining consultants usually work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, you may be required to run courses in the evenings and at weekends involving being away from home 

Employers    

Corporate, SME, public and government sectors employ training consultants 

Career path 

New entrants may start as training assistants or in administrative posts in a personnel department. More senior training consultants are likely to start at management level.  Consultancy and freelance work is often possible for those with substantial work experience.  

Training  

The CIPD offers a Certificate in Training Practice which is run by colleges and other approved centres. Successful completion of this leads to Associate Membership. Many postgraduate degrees are also accredited by the CIPD. The CIPD also works with colleges and universities to offer local courses for those already in relevant employment or related activity

There is also the Professional Development Scheme (PDS), which is aimed at people seeking to advance their management career in personnel and development. It covers general and personnel management as well as training and development

NVQs are available in related subjects, such as Learning and Development levels 3-5 and Direct Training and Support at level 3.

Specific academic qualifications for entry to training courses, however in practice, most applicants tend to have formal qualifications that can include A-level, Btec National and degrees, along with relevant work experience.

Age 

There is no formal upper age limit for entry into this occupation.
Maturity is an asset. Many employers feel that training officers should have relevant work experience. In general, applicants with such experience can compete with those who have qualifications but relatively little experience.

Relevant experience can include work as a training, personnel or human resources assistant, or administration work in a human resources or training department.

Career and Training sources  

www.learndirect-advice.co.uk This is the website of the learndirect Advice service - impartial advice on courses, careers, funding and childcare, plus information on over 900,000 courses and 700 careers.

CIPD, 151 The Broadway, London SW19 1J
Improve Ltd, 2 Innovation Close, Heslington, York YO10 5ZF  

Career Profile taken from Adult Directions, produced by CASCAID Ltd