Career : IT Trainer

 *Career job information for job seekers

IT trainers teach people how to use a broad range of information and communications technology. This includes the use of software packages and hardware such as PCs, laptops, interactive whiteboards and mobile ICT equipment.   ( employment job )

Commercial IT trainers teach industry-standard software applications. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, internet and email, presentations, databases and desktop publishing.

Specialised technical IT trainers teach customised or bespoke software applications, programming, web design, web application development, multimedia applications, networking, software development approaches, IT project management, IT services management and PC maintenance.

Trainers usually work normal office hours, but there might be some evening or weekend courses. Trainers may be based in one location or may travel to wherever the learners are based. Trainers tend to work indoors in classroom environments or in offices. They may spend time standing or sitting to present their session and work with students.

Salaries range from £18,000 to £40,000 or more a year.

IT trainers need:

• a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the hardware or software they are teaching
• to be able to adapt their approach to suit the learners
• good verbal and written communication skills
• strong planning and presentation skills
• to enjoy working with people.

Employers include large organisations that provide in-house training for their staff, specialist IT training companies, software manufacturers and further education colleges. Some IT trainers run their own training companies.

There are no set qualifications to work in this field. Some IT workers become trainers after gaining experience in other areas of IT. Some trainers have worked in other areas of training and gone on to specialise in IT training.

There is a wide range of courses and qualifications that give a good grounding in IT, from GCSE ICT and the Diploma in information technology to degrees in IT and computing. It can be possible to enter IT through an IT and telecoms professionals Apprenticeship. There is also a range of useful training qualifications.

Training for new IT trainers depends on their qualifications and experience and the demands of their job. They may work towards further IT qualifications or a training qualification such as the Institute of IT Training's Level 4 Institute Certified Training Practitioner Certificate.

IT trainers may progress to senior trainer. Some move into management or work on a freelance basis.