Training Manager
What is the work like?
Training managers organise and manage training programmes within an organisation.
As a training manager you would make sure staff gain and develop the skills they need to carry out their jobs effectively. You would do this by designing and coordinating training which covers the organisation's current and future needs.
Your day-to-day tasks could include:
- consulting with other managers to identify training needs
- drawing up an overall training plan to meet these needs
- managing a training budget
- producing materials for in-house training
- working with training providers to develop suitable course content
- evaluating the success of individual training and the overall programme
- managing regular staff appraisals and reviews and making sure staff have opportunities for ongoing development.
In a smaller organisation you may also deliver some of the training.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually need experience as a training officer before becoming a training manager. It could be an advantage if you have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject such as business studies, human resources or communications.
If you do not have a degree, you may be able to work your way up from a training officer or personnel position by gaining experience and a professional qualification such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) – see the further training and development section below.
Many people join the training department from other departments in a company, and work towards training qualifications.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working in a training department, you can study for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications part-time, by block release or by distance learning. Qualifications include:
- Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP)
- Certificate in Training Practice (CTP)
- Professional Development Scheme (PDS).
The PDS includes four modules – Leadership and Management; People Management and Development; Specialist and Generalist Personnel and Development, and Applied Personnel and Development.
You can also choose from a range of CIPD short courses. Visit the CIPD website for details of qualifications, centres providing them, and CIPD membership. Membership of the CIPD can be an advantage when you are looking for work.
As an alternative, you can work towards the following qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 in Direct Training and Support
- NVQ levels 3, 4 and 5 in Learning and Development
- NVQ level 4 or 5 in personnel or management areas.
When you have completed NVQs, you may be eligible for the appropriate level of CIPD membership.
You can also do postgraduate diplomas and MSc degrees in training management or training and development, usually by part-time study or distance learning. To get on to these you will need one of the following:
- a degree
- a professional training qualification
- substantial relevant work experience.
Contact individual colleges and universities for their exact requirements.
Where can I go for more information?
5th FloorSt Andrew’s House
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Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
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Leicester
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London
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Tel: 020 8612 6200
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Training managers can earn between £19,000 and £40,000 or more a year.
- Training directors or senior training managers working for a large organisation can earn up to £50,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would usually be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may sometimes need to be more flexible, for example to cover residential courses or workshops, or if your organisation has a shift system.
You would be office-based, but may be expected to travel between company sites or to training venues, such as hotels or conference centres.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to relate to staff at all levels
- excellent communication skills
- organisational skills
- the ability to plan ahead and manage your time
- the ability to encourage and motivate people
- presentation skills
- good influencing and negotiating skills
- the ability to write reports, keep records, and work within budgets
- good IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
You can work as a training manager for a variety of employers. These include banks, local authorities, the health service, retail organisations and manufacturing companies. You could also find opportunities with commercial training providers that run courses for other organisations.
Competition for jobs is usually strong.
With experience you may be able to become a freelance trainer or consultant. As there is a growing tendency for companies to bring in outside experts, opportunities for freelance trainers are increasing.
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