Trainer, Training Manager, Training Coordinator

Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree preferred
Average Salary: $87,770
Job Outlook: Very good

Corporations and large organizations employ trainers, training coordinators, and training managers in their human resources departments to work with other employees in helping them obtain the skills necessary to do work at peak efficiency. The training programs administered by trainers are usually part of an organization’s strategic plan, and include routine and yearly sessions so employees are up-to-date on the best practices in their industry.

The trainers, training coordinators, and training managers create and conduct programs. The coordinators and managers typically supervise the operations of the training programs. Companies see training programs as methods to develop skills, enhance productivity, and build loyalty within an organization, all positives that add value to the working experience. The trainers, training managers, and training coordinators must have good people skills, and be excellent in working in groups and speaking to large audiences.

The training coordinator and training manager will also oversee staff development budgets, and conduct assessments to see what type of training is needed. They’ll also figure how to organize the sessions, including whether it is a lecture, classroom, lab, or hands-on training session. They’ll gather data from the training session to help measure key metrics like productivity, and research and analyze ways to make the programs better.

Training does not always have to be about adding new skills to a skill-set. Training coordinators, trainers, and training managers also will help employees brush up on work requirements, help managers interact better with employees, and help foster a leadership culture by introducing workshops that will produce future leaders.

The diverse area of training can also lead to jobs helping employees with transitions, especially in today’s challenging economic times. A number of trainers, training coordinators and training managers are now working with those who have been laid off, downsized or seen their positions reduced because of corporate cutbacks.

Education and Training Requirements

There are many different educational paths for trainers, training managers, and training coordinators since the responsibilities of the job vary immensely. A bachelor’s degree is preferred to enter into the industry, however, it is not a requirement. Some common majors include human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations. In graduate-level programs students often study administration, human resources or labor relations to obtain a master’s degree. Business and technical classes are also encouraged, as are any classes with a human resources, training and development, organizational development component.

Getting the Job

To become a trainer, training manager, or training coordinator, one must secure employment in a human resources-type job for a corporation or organization. Internships are encouraged. To gain higher-lever manager jobs, most people start in an organization at an entry level human resources or training position and move up to progressively higher positions with more responsibility.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Employment in the human resources field is expected to grow 22 percent in the next decade, or faster than the national average. Those with college degrees and have earned certification in the field will have the best chances for employment. Positive factors on growth include legislation, court rulings, and new regulations that require an increase in trainers, training managers and training coordinators. Negative effects on employment include corporate downsizing, restructuring, mergers, cutbacks, and job reductions. Those who have experience in retraining employees for new job skills could see a lot of opportunities as the economy continues to improve.

There are a number of different career paths for a trainer, training manager, and training coordinator. They can be promoted into a number of other managerial positions in human resources departments, including director. Others move on to do consulting work, open their own business, work for a smaller, private firm or go on to teach if they have the necessary degree.

Working Conditions and Environment

Trainers, training managers and training coordinators usually work in offices. They can also travel a lot to do staff development in different offices. They normally work regular 40-hour work weeks.

Salary and Benefits

The median wage for training coordinators and training managers is $87,700. The range of salaries starts at $64,770 and tops out at $115,000. Lower-level positions earned about $45,000, with the highest earners grossing more than $150,000.

Where to Go for More Information

American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certification Institute
1640 King St., Box 1443
Alexandria, VA 22313-1443
(703) 683-8100
www.astd.org

Society for Human Resources Management
1800 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 283-SHRM
www.shrm.org

U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20210
(866) 487-2365
www.dol.gov