Disclaimer: The information on our website is provided for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on our website for any purpose. Any reliance on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk and we are not liable for any damages or losses arising out of or resulting from your reliance on any information contained on our website.
A training and development specialist’s primary responsibility is to assess, plan, organize and implement employee training for companies and organizations. The work closely with management to determine a companies vision and goals to determine what is working and what is not working. They provide opportunities to improve job skills and gather data about training needs.
Watch a video to learn what a training development specialist does:
How to Become a Training and Development Specialist
A training and development specialist must earn a bachelor’s degree in instructional design, human resources, education, training and development, or the social sciences. Some jobs may ask for a master’s degree in addition to experience in a work-related field. With the increasing use of technology it has also become common for individuals to earn degrees in technology such as information technology and computer sciences.
A training and development specialist must have instructional, analytical, and creativity skills to present materials to the targeted audience. In addition they must have strong communication and interpersonal skills due to presenting and collaborating with people to perform their job duties.
Job Description of a Training and Development Specialist
Training and development specialists are often employed by companies or organizations to provide appropriate and valuable training to their employees. They are involved in the design of the curriculum, train, and deliver presentations. They coordinate programs to provide further skills and knowledge to the company or organization’s employees. They may supervise and work with development specialist or training staff regularly.
If the quality of expected improvements of an organization are not produced a training and development specialist may create an alternative method for training. They use visual materials and handouts that they have obtained or designed to aid in training. They may use other training techniques such as team exercises, videos, group discussions, or role-playing. He or she manages, prepares and provides budget reports as well as oversees the cost for training.
A training and development specialist may select training instructors and assign them specific tasks for the instruction of employees. They must have knowledge in and be sufficient in customer service and have a strong command of the English language. You should be able to speak clearly so others can understand you and must be able to listen attentively to what others are saying as well. A training and development specialist can be found working in nearly every industry, but mostly in offices. They normally would work regular full-time business hours.
Training and Development Specialist Career Video Transcript
Delivering an effective training program takes creativity along with communication skills and the ability to adapt teaching methods to a particular audience. Training and development specialists plan and conduct programs that train employees and improve their skills and knowledge. These specialists often begin developing a program by assessing needs through surveys, interviews, and meetings with managers.
Taking what they learn, they develop curriculum, manuals, videos, or online applications. They may include different formats to engage learning through group discussion and team activities, and often follow up their training with evaluation to improve for the next session. Training and development specialists increasingly develop tools and materials for use on computers and tablets.
Administrative tasks are also common, such as scheduling classes or webinars, setting up equipment, and taking registrations. Training and development specialists work in nearly every industry— from healthcare and finance, to education and government. They spend much of their time working with people, giving presentations, and leading training activities. They generally work full-time, during regular business hours. Training and development specialists need a bachelor’s degree and work experience in a field such as training, human resources, teaching, or instructional design. A master’s degree may take the place of work experience.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Specialists.
National Center for O*NET Development. 13-1151.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.