If you are wondering how to become a training manager, below are tips and advice on beginning careers in this area, as well as job prospects in the UK.
The Job Description
Training managers organise and manage training programmes within an organisation. They make sure staff gain and develop the skills they need to carry out their jobs effectively. They do this by devising and co-ordinating training which covers the organisation’s current and future needs.
Typical responsibilities:
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.
Person Specification
The key personal attributes of good training manager include:
the ability to relate to staff at all levels
excellent communication skills
organisational skills
the ability to plan ahead and manage time
the ability to encourage and motivate people
good influencing and negotiating skills
the ability to write reports, keep records, and work within budgets
good computer skills.
How to become a training manager
You would usually need experience as a training officer to become a training manager. It may 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 Training.
Many people join the training department from other departments and work towards training qualifications.
Training and Development
When you are working in a training department you can study for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications part-time, by block release and 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 CIPD 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 and/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 a degree, a professional training qualification, or substantial relevant work experience. Contact individual colleges and universities for their exact requirements.
The Pay (a rough guide)
Training managers can earn between £19,000 and around £40,000 a year.
Training directors or senior training managers working for a large organisation can earn up to £50,000 or more.
Job Prospects
You can work as a training manager for a variety of employers. These include banks, local authorities, central government, the health service, hotels, retail organisations and manufacturing industries. Smaller companies are less likely to have in-house training departments. You could also find opportunities with commercial training providers that run courses for other organisations.
There are opportunities throughout the country, although there is quite a lot of competition for jobs.
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.
Useful education, teaching and training resources:
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
151 The Broadway
London
SW19 1JQ
Tel: 020 8612 6200
https://www.cipd.co.uk