Training manager apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
There is no set entry route to become a training manager but you may find it useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in
business studies, human resources, management or communications.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could take a college course, to become a manager if you have some experience in training or teaching. Courses include a Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Learning and Development.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this role by doing a learning and development consultant higher apprenticeship, or a senior people professional degree apprenticeship.
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 could start as a business administrator or training officer in a company's human resources department, and work your way up through training and promotion.
Direct Application
You could apply directly if you've got experience as a training officer. Most organisations will expect you to have an understanding of their industry.
Other Routes
You can study for professional qualifications in learning and development, either online or at a training centre approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. These may be useful when you apply for jobs. A background in teaching, lecturing in further education or as a skills assessor could be useful.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Training manager apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- leadership skills
- business management skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to learn through your work
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Training manager apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a training manager, you would:
- develop training plans to meet the needs of individuals and businesses
- produce training materials
- work with external providers to develop specialist courses
- set up and monitor coaching and mentoring schemes
- manage and lead a training team
- assess the impact of training programmes
- write reports and keep records up to date
- make sure training is cost-effective and within budget
Working environment
You could work at a training centre, at a conference centre or in an office.
Career path and progression - Training manager apprenticeships
With experience and contacts, you could become a freelance trainer or coaching consultant. You could also move into broader human resources management if you work for a larger organisation.
With extra training you could go into college or schools teaching.