IT Trainer

Job Description:

IT trainers design and teach computer courses.

Job Category:

IT Industry

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What you will do:

In your day-to-day job you could:

assess training needs and agree learning aims
design new training programmes or adapt existing ones
create training materials
manage the roll-out of new projects
teach IT skills
assess training
give feedback to learners and management
keep records up to date
design e-learning resources for online learners

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As well as:

the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
excellent verbal communication skills
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
active listening skills
leadership skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become an IT Trainer, you should have a strong foundation in IT knowledge and related skills, but specific subjects may not be mandatory. However, the following subjects and skills can provide a good foundation for this career:

Mathematics: While not directly related to IT training, strong math skills are always beneficial for problem-solving and analytical thinking, which are important in IT.
Computer Science: computer science course can provide you with fundamental knowledge of programming, algorithms, and how computer systems work.
Information Technology (IT): Courses in IT can introduce you to basic concepts related to hardware, software, operating systems, and networking, which are essential for an IT Trainer.
English: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for conveying technical information effectively to trainees. English can help you develop these skills.

Post School

You could get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
volunteering

University
You could do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

computing
business
human resources
learning support

College
You could do a college course like a Certificate in IT User Skills (a Level 3 in the UK)

This will teach you about using IT systems in a range of jobs.

A training qualification can help to improve your training skills.

Apprenticeship
If you have IT qualifications or skills, you can complete a learning and skills teacher higher apprenticeship.

You’ll need a qualification in the subject you want to teach. Employers will be looking for relevant up-to-date industry experience.

You’ll also need to show ability in English, maths and IT.

Work
You may move into training from a hands-on IT role.

Volunteering
You could do voluntary teaching, for example helping students with disabilities to use IT and assistive technology. Volunteering experience could give you an advantage when you apply for jobs.

Career tips
In Europe, it may be helpful if you get the European Computer Driving Licence qualification. This teaches you the main computing skills for everyday work tasks.

Restrictions and Requirements

pass enhanced background checks

Working Hours and Environment:

Your typical working hours could be variable.

You could work in an office, at a training centre, at a college or at a client’s business.

Career Path & Progression:

You could become a lead trainer, department manager, area training co-ordinator or a freelance trainer or consultant.

You could teach in a further education college.

You could also move into technical writing, project management or work in other areas of IT, like e-learning development or publishing.