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Trainer

Trainers work with individual adults, groups and/or organisations to provide practical training for a variety of reasons, often to improve workplace performance. The topics taught include management, computers, team building, time management, presentation, basic work skills and interpersonal skills such as communication and negotiation.

Tasks & duties

Trainers may do some or all of the following:

discuss training requirements with clients
design individual training programmes for organisations
run classes, workshops and/or seminars on a variety of topics
develop course outlines and exercises for trainees
instruct trainees and answer their questions
evaluate training and report on trainees
arrange for follow-up training, install new systems or report back following training sessions
write and/or update training manuals
attend meetings and do some business development work (including sales pitches)

Specialisations

Trainers may specialise in specific areas such as information technology (IT), communications or sales.

Skills & knowledge

Trainers need to have:

knowledge of the subject areas they are teaching, and how to plan lessons
teaching skills
the ability to co-ordinate a class of people at different stages of their learning
the ability to operate technical equipment that may be used during training sessions
knowledge of issues that may affect public and private-sector clients
good communication skills, including listening and writing skills
an awareness and understanding of other cultures
time management skills

Self-employed trainers or those considering going into consultancy work need to have good networking skills.

Entry requirements

To become a trainer, it is preferred that you have a diploma or degree and/or experience in the subject you are teaching as well as a high standard of English.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification such as a Bursary or NCEA equivalent is required to enter tertiary training.

Tertiary education

A qualification in adult education, business communication, human resources or teaching is particularly useful for trainers. Courses and exams in the particular area you are teaching are also helpful.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job, with new trainers often learning from their more experienced colleagues.

Most trainers are members of the New Zealand Association for Training and Development (NZATD), which runs workshops, seminars and conferences enabling trainers to keep up with new methods of training delivery. Some organisations, such as the New Zealand Institute of Management, also specialise in training techniques.

Trainers may also be able to have their prior experience assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and if appropriate, credited towards formal qualifications (without having to enter tertiary study programmes).

Useful experience

Trainers need to have experience in a particular field before they train others in it. Experience in relevant subjects such as management, accounting, human resources, trade skills, business writing, computer administration and programming, as well as in teaching, may be useful.