Do you want to be a...

Training Officer

Also known as Training and Development Officer and Learning and Development Officer.

Training officers plan, develop, implement and evaluate training and development programmes in organisations.

Training officers instruct staff and management in many areas including occupational health and safety, operating plant machinery and equipment, driving, industrial relations, preparing for retirement, general clerical duties and supervisory skills.

TASKS

Training officers may perform the following tasks:

coordinate a staff training programme based on organisational and employee needs
use questionnaires and surveys in consultation with managers and staff to analyse training needs as they relate to the goals of the organisation and work area
compile training manuals
develop training resources, which may involve preparing notes and visual displays from researched information or their own knowledge
arrange or conduct training courses, which may involve demonstrating equipment, operating video recorders and cameras, leading group discussions or role-playing activities and employing experts to run sessions
evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes using surveys, questionnaires, interviews and by observation, in order to plan future courses or to amend existing ones
obtain information on work-related external courses, prepare reports on their suitability and make recommendations on staff attendance at training courses
prepare, administer and conduct training assessments
provide career development sessions for existing staff and conduct induction sessions for new employees
assist in developing training interventions to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders
support learners during training interventions
maintain learner outcomes in a Learning Management System

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to take initiative
tactful and mature
aptitude for research
good organisational skills
excellent communication and presentation skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a training officer you usually have to study applied learning, business management, human resources or human resource management. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Most institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

The Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) offers membership to those involved in the training industry. There are different levels of membership, for students through to those who have a high level of qualification and experience.

Academic training alone is not normally sufficient to find work in this field. Training officers often need to have extensive work experience and job knowledge, gained as an assistant, through work in specialist technical areas, or as a leading hand or supervisor.

Many Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE, offer a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This may be of assistance to people with a trade or extensive work experience who are required to train other employees in their place of work. This qualification is also generally required to plan and conduct training and assessments within a Registered Training Organisation. See the separate entry for Vocational education and training (VOC) Lecturer for full details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Training officers work in federal, state, territory and local government departments and agencies, training institutions, and in many large private firms. Banks, retail stores, mining companies, manufacturing companies, health and medical organisations, and other large firms have staff training departments.

There is a growing tendency for organisations to employ training consultants for short-term contracts to undertake specific projects. Because of this, training consultants often combine training with other human resource duties such as personnel work.

There is an increasing need for training officers with specialised knowledge of new technology.

As a training officer gains experience, prospects of advancement and promotion improve. Opportunities exist for training officers to attain management positions or to become self-employed as training consultants.