4 Responses

1. A Start
   There’s been a bit on this forum previously regarding starting a career in training and most recently this link should help:

   https://www.trainingzone.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=140820

   But as a teacher you may find the transition easier – depending on what you want to train and what you taught previously.

   I’d start by talking to some HR and training specialist agencies to see what they are looking for and what the market requires from someone with your skills before rushing off to do any courses etc.

   You could try Frazer Jones in Leeds – who are very good at what they do. (I have no connection to this company and don’t stand to benefit from this plug.)

2. Adult Learning
   There is major difference between teaching (at school or university level) and teaching adults. “The Adult Learner” by Knowles, Holton and Swanson is the seminal book. For a short overview http://www.simulations.co.uk/adult.htm

3. Difficult, but good luck!
   Hi Melanie,
   I’ve met numerous teachers that try to do this transition, some succeed, others not.

   The first differentiator between the 2 groups is the understanding that we are speaking about 2 very different fields – meaning the educational one and the training. They have different targets, different methods, different cultures, etc… As a matter of fact, sometimes coming from one can diminish the chances of succeeding in the other.

   The second step should be going through a very detailed and rigid course. One that covers all the relevant aspects of training: Instructional design, technological tools, evaluation, etc.

   All of this I’d advise to do while doing some kind of apprenticeship in a training department or with a training free lancer.

   At the end I believe that there are a lot of common traits between teachers and trainers , so a well planned transition can work!

   Good luck!

   Meir Navon

4. Wanting to learn?
   The main difference might be (although you don’t specify what you will be training) that your attendees will WANT to learn, as opposed to having to sit through a lecture and HAVE to attend. A more relaxed relationship between yourself and learners will be one of the key things to think about (there’s nothing more boring in the adult world in attending training that’s a lecture! Good luck..