Training and development officer

Training and development officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Responsibilities of the job vary according to the size and type of employing organisation, but generally include:

• conducting job evaluation surveys
• liaising with managers and interviewing employees at all levels to identify and assess training and development needs
• delivering/overseeing the delivery of training to individuals or groups of employees
• compiling and presenting information
• implementing, advising about and monitoring appraisal schemes
• supervising and monitoring progress made via training programmes or schemes
• ensuring employees receive statutory required training.

Smaller organisations may employ human resources or personnel staff with responsibility for training and development needs in addition to other tasks.

Typical employers of training and development officers

• private companies
• manufacturers
• retailers
• service industries
• local authorities
• industrial organizations
• educational institutions
• financial organisations
• large accountants
• banks
• charities.

Training and development is a popular career choice and vacancies attract strong competition. Jobs are advertised by careers services and recruitment agencies, via the internet, in newspapers and publications including People Management and Personnel Today. It is advisable to make speculative applications and to apply early for graduate training schemes with larger employers - the Personnel Manager's Yearbook may provide useful contact information.

Qualifications and training required

Any degree discipline is acceptable for entry into the profession, although a CIPD recognised qualification is often required. Business, management, psychology, and MBA qualifications can also be advantageous.

Prior relevant experience is usually required and can be gained through placements, direct approaches to employers, voluntary work and job shadowing. Many training officers begin their careers by working within personnel departments - in fact it is rare for new graduates to be recruited directly into a training position.

Key skills for training and development officers

• approachable
• able to form good relationships
• effective organisational skills
• teamworking skills
• interpersonal skills.