Career Changer looking to get into training

Making that Career Change

Hi Lee

Many people who work in training, started their career by coaching and training those around then in their area of specialism. Having found they rather liked training they then looked for an opportunity to move across into training and become qualified. The qualification you have achieved is widely recognised and respected in the training world which is a great start. It is worth thinking about which elements of the training cycle you really enjoy. Training Officers and Co-ordinators play a different role in training to being a trainer. Sometimes you can do a bit of everything, however it is worth clarifying this in any role you apply for.

I would start your career move where you are. Maybe you could look at how you could use your knowledge and skills to train other less experienced members of staff. You could volunteer to induct people or do mini training sessions on key areas. See if you can spot any gaps in how people get up to speed with their job or with the company and volunteer to put something in place with you as the trainer or coach. You could write a proposal on how to change something about how people are trained.

If your employer has a training department, talk to them about opportunities. Talk to them and your manager about doing some work shadowing or perhaps a secondment to the training department for a short while to get more experience and get known by your training department. They might even have training they are currently outsourcing that you could do.

Outside of work you could look at whether you have a hobby or interest that you could provide training on for the local college or perhaps a local group like the WI. You could also investigate the local speakers clubs. All of this will help you continue with the knowledge and skills you gained through your CTP and build your contacts.

Keep going with the job websites etc. See if there is a local agency that specialises in training positions. You could contact local companies speculatively as well. Network through CIPD events. You could even try local training providers to see if they have anything.

When times are tough, training teams are often reduced so you may find opportunities a little thin on the ground at present. Keep doing what ever you can in training though and you’ll be ready when the opportunities come.

I hope this helps and good luck

Rosanne

2 Responses

SteveRobson says:

February 9, 2010 at 9:14 am

Career Change
Hi Lee

Firstly, Well done for deciding to become a Trainer!

I think the most important thing to think about is only training in an area that you are already competent in…ie Sales, Marketing, Project Management. (Especially if you want to earn a decent salary)

I think the best trainer training is available in Colleges as it will give you a very good foundation for if or when you decide to go in to Private / Corporate Training which is very different but not necessarily better.

Not sure if I would be trying for Trainer jobs if you are just starting out…I would be looking for Sales, Marketing, Project jobs where there was an opportunity to train junior and less experienced members of staff. (You did mention Training Coordinator but the pay is low as these jobs are not usually dependent on much more than admin skills)

Its also very important to keep up to date by attending conferences and seminars and belonging to trainers focus groups. Standing out from the crowd is important and being up to date with training methodologies will set you apart and hopefully get you that dream job one day!

Good luck.

Steve
rgoose says:

February 15, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Making that Career Change

Hi Lee

Many people who work in training, started their career by coaching and training those around then in their area of specialism. Having found they rather liked training they then looked for an opportunity to move across into training and become qualified. The qualification you have achieved is widely recognised and respected in the training world which is a great start. It is worth thinking about which elements of the training cycle you really enjoy. Training Officers and Co-ordinators play a different role in training to being a trainer. Sometimes you can do a bit of everything, however it is worth clarifying this in any role you apply for.

I would start your career move where you are. Maybe you could look at how you could use your knowledge and skills to train other less experienced members of staff. You could volunteer to induct people or do mini training sessions on key areas. See if you can spot any gaps in how people get up to speed with their job or with the company and volunteer to put something in place with you as the trainer or coach. You could write a proposal on how to change something about how people are trained.

If your employer has a training department, talk to them about opportunities. Talk to them and your manager about doing some work shadowing or perhaps a secondment to the training department for a short while to get more experience and get known by your training department. They might even have training they are currently outsourcing that you could do.

Outside of work you could look at whether you have a hobby or interest that you could provide training on for the local college or perhaps a local group like the WI. You could also investigate the local speakers clubs. All of this will help you continue with the knowledge and skills you gained through your CTP and build your contacts.

Keep going with the job websites etc. See if there is a local agency that specialises in training positions. You could contact local companies speculatively as well. Network through CIPD events. You could even try local training providers to see if they have anything.

When times are tough, training teams are often reduced so you may find opportunities a little thin on the ground at present. Keep doing what ever you can in training though and you’ll be ready when the opportunities come.

I hope this helps and good luck

Rosanne