As part of our feature on trainer development, we asked TrainingZONE members to tell us a bit about how they came to be involved in the training profession, and offer some thoughts on what it means to be a trainer today. We received a fantastic selection of responses, which will be published throughout the month. Here, Jenny Jarvis, a Personal and Leadership Development Consultant gives her response.
- What's your current job role?
Personal and Leadership Development Consultant.
- What did you do before this job?
Training and Development Consultant.
- Describe your route into training
Via general managment.
- Did you always want to work in training and development?
No - but I always wanted to work with people.
- What would you say has been the most significant event in your career to date?
Winning a National Training Award in 1996.
- How do you think the role of the trainer has changed since you began your training career?
The style of the trainer and developer has had to change radically to keep up with the development in technology. Knowledge and self improvement can now be gained by a variety of media as the e-learning process has demonstrated. And now the 'learner' expects to be encouraged to experiment and learn by action rather tand not just by conceptualisation, and this is where facilitation is a key skill, even with technical and qualification-based training.
- What single thing would improve your working life?
An improved and integrated national transport system! I hate having to drive to the extent I do but there is no alternative in the majority of cases.
- What's your favourite part of the TrainingZONE site?
'The community' is a supportive network for trainers.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to embark on a career in training?
Go and act as an apprentice to someone for 3 months you believe is good professional role model. You'll find out that the 'iceberg' model is very relevant! - What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the trainer today?
The same as ever was - credibility, and that is gained from applying high professional standards and integrity to what you provide.
