IT Trainer
What is the work like?
IT trainers design and teach computer courses to clients from different backgrounds and with different levels of ability. They work for colleges, IT training companies and in the training departments of larger organisations.
As an IT trainer you could teach courses ranging from common programs like word-processing and spreadsheets (known as desktop programs) to technical areas, such as programming or PC maintenance. If you work within a company, you may deliver bespoke in-house training, for example, training accounts staff on a new payroll system.
In all cases, your duties would include:
- assessing clients' training needs and agreeing learning outcomes
- designing new programmes or customising existing courses to meet those outcomes
- preparing the learning environment and resources
- delivering programmes to clients
- evaluating the effectiveness of the training
- keeping administrative records up to date.
A great deal of training is now available online, so IT trainers may be supporting learners remotely in a virtual learning environment (VLE). See the profile for Online Tutor.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can become an IT trainer through several routes.
You could work as an IT professional and pick up skills through on-the-job experience, or you can qualify initially as a training officer and specialise in IT skills. In most cases, you will need a recognised IT qualification, at Level 3 or above.
There are several IT qualifications available covering the major desktop programs, including:
- OCR Certificate/Diploma for IT Users – Level 1 (New CLAiT), Level 2 (CLAiT Plus), and Level 3 (CLAiT Advanced)
- City & Guilds E-Quals IT Users awards (7262) – Level 1 (Certificate), Level 2 (Diploma) and Level 3 (Advanced Diploma)
- Edexcel (BTEC) National Certificate and Diploma for IT Practitioners
- British Computer Society's European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and ECDL Advanced
- Microsoft Office Specialist programme.
If you want to focus on technical training, see the qualifications outlined in the Further Training and Development section below. You should also check the qualifications in the job profiles for Computer Service and Repair Technician, Web Developer and Network Engineer.
To teach in a further education college, you will need:
You would need:
- at least a level three IT qualification
- teaching qualifications which are recognised by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK).
See the LLUK website and the job profile for Further Education Teacher for more details about college work.
You may also find it helpful to have some understanding of computer programs used by people with sight or hearing impairment. Skill, the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, has information booklets and links to organisations providing this type of information and also details about hardware adaptations (known as assistive technologies). There is also a City & Guilds Certificate in Supporting Users of Assistive Technology (3070), which you could take to help improve your skills in this area.
See the e-skills UK website for further details about IT careers.
What further training and development can I do?
It is essential that you keep your skills and knowledge up to date, as programs, technology and training methods are constantly evolving. The Institute of IT Training (IITT) offers a range of certificate and diploma courses for IT trainers, including e-learning tutoring skills. They also recognise other qualifications as evidence of training competence.
You can also take various qualifications covering desktop applications and technical areas. Some are specific to a particular manufacturer, others cover different products. These include:
- Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) – covers areas including PC maintenance, networking, security and Linux technologies
- Novell's Certified Instructor (CNI) programme – covers networking and Linux systems
- Microsoft Master Instructor and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
- Cisco Certified Systems Instructor (CCSI).
The Joint Examining Board (JEB) offers a range of awards for teachers and trainers, including:
- Certificate and Advanced Diploma in Education Practice (ICT)
- Certificate in the Educational Use of ICT.
Work-based NVQs covering training and development, coaching, mentoring and assessing are also available.
Where can I go for more information?
Westwood Business Park
Coventry
CV4 8HS
0845 006 8858
St Andrew’s House
18-20 St Andrew Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
Siskin Parkway East
Middlemarch Business Park
Coventry
CV3 4PE
Tel: 08707 202909
London
SW1E 6DR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for IT trainers are between £15,000 and £18,000 a year.
- Experienced trainers earn between £19,000 and £26,000 a year.
- IT trainers with management responsibilities can earn up to £30,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As an IT trainer, you will usually work 37 to 40 hours a week from Monday to Friday. However, you may need to work evenings or weekends to meet client requirements. Part-time work is also widely available.
Your workplace would vary depending on your employer. For example, you might cover several college sites in an area and travel between them, or you may be based full-time at a training centre. If you work for a commercial training company, your job is likely to involve travelling locally, regionally and possibly nationally.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an up-to-date knowledge of common IT programs and systems
- a keen interest in new developments in IT
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- excellent planning, training and presentation skills
- the confidence to deliver training to individuals and groups
- the ability to tailor training to match your clients' abilities and knowledge
- good timekeeping and organisational skills
- good problem-solving skills
- the ability to motivate learners
- an awareness of IT accessibility and usability issues
- a patient and understanding approach with learners who have little knowledge of computing.
You may need minority language skills, depending on the client group.
What opportunities are there?
Employers include larger commercial companies, public bodies, local government, colleges and IT training companies.
There are several government initiatives aimed at raising the level of IT literacy in the UK, helping to drive demand for qualified trainers. Many of these are concentrated in further and adult education colleges.
You could progress to lead trainer, departmental manager or area training coordinator. Other options include teaching, technical writing or working in other areas of IT, for example e-learning development. As an experienced trainer, you may also be able to work freelance.
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