Information technology/software trainers

IT and software trainer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Responsibilities of the job vary according to the type of employing organisation and how it makes use of IT. Typical duties include:

• assessing individual/group training needs
• planning, preparing and researching lessons
• organising and promoting courses
• developing and delivering programmes of learning activities
• preparing teaching/course materials
• contact/teaching time with students on an individual or group basis
• invigilating examinations
• checking and assessing students' work and giving feedback
• liaising with other organisations and employers
• maintaining and upgrading computer software and hardware
• making use of new technology such as distance learning or video conferencing
• keeping personal IT skills and knowledge up to date.

The job commonly requires working evenings and weekends.

Typical employers of IT and software trainers

• private, public and voluntary sector organisations
• sixth-form, adult and further education colleges
• private companies
• software houses
• specialist IT training providers.

Freelance work/self-employment is an option for people with sufficient experience.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although employers may prefer graduates with qualifications in computing, IT-related subjects, business studies and management. Previous relevant computing, software or training experience is normally essential, although personality and aptitude may be regarded as being equally important. Teaching and training qualifications can also be advantageous.

Entry without higher education qualifications may be possible, but substantial software experience is normally required. Gaining the European Computer Driving Licence qualification can be helpful.

Opportunities are advertised via the internet, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers and professional journals including Computing and Computing Weekly. Speculative applications are advisable, for which The Computer Users Yearbook and the Computing Careers Yearbook may be useful.

Key skills

• excellent communication
• administrative skills
• management
• organisation
• analytical skills
• technical skills.