IT trainer apprenticeships - where to start
You could get into this job through:
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipvolunteering
University
You could do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- computing
- business
- human resources
- learning support.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. For a degree you'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or the equivalent.
College
You could do
a college course like a Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills.
This will teach you about using IT systems in a range of jobs.
A training qualification, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's Level 3 Award in Learning and Development, can help to improve your training skills.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
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.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
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. It may be helpful if you get the European Computer Driving Licence qualification. This teaches you the main computing skills for everyday work tasks.
IT trainer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
IT trainer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a training centre, at a college or at a client's business.
Career path and progression - IT trainer apprenticeships
You could become a lead trainer, department manager, area training co-ordinator or a freelance trainer or consultant.
You could also move into technical writing, project management or work in other areas of IT, like e-learning development or publishing.