IT trainer

IT trainers design and teach computer courses.

Salary Range: £20,000 to £40,000

How to become an IT trainer

You could get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering

University

You could do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• computing
• business
• human resources
• learning support

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a college course like a Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills.

A training qualification, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s Level 3 Award in Learning and Development, will improve your training skills.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can complete a learning and skills teacher higher apprenticeship.

You’ll need a qualification in the subject you want to teach. Employers will be looking for relevant up-to-date industry experience.

You’ll also need to show ability in English, maths and IT.

If you’re new to computing, you could work towards this job by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as an IT application specialist.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering and experience

You could do voluntary teaching, for example helping students with disabilities to use IT and assistive technology. Volunteering experience could give you an advantage when you apply for jobs.

More information

Career tips

It may be helpful if you get the European Computer Driving Licence qualification. This teaches you the main computing skills for everyday work tasks.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• active listening skills
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• assessing training needs and agreeing learning aims
• designing new training programmes or adapting existing ones
• creating training materials
• managing the roll-out of new projects
• teaching IT skills
• assessing training
• giving feedback to learners and management
• keeping records up to date
• designing e-learning resources for online learners

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a training centre, at a college or at a client’s business.

Career path and progression

You could become a lead trainer, department manager, area training co-ordinator or a freelance trainer or consultant.

You could also move into technical writing, project management or work in other areas of IT, like e-learning development or publishing.