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Training managers direct, plan, and coordinate programs to develop the skills and knowledge of an organization’s workers to help make them more productive. They oversee and work with specialists such as instructional designers, program developers, and instructors to design curriculum and determine training needs that will meet an organization’s goals. They work in almost every industry in offices on a full-time basis.
Watch a video to learn what a training development manager does:
How to Become a Training Manager
Training and development managers require a college degree and related work experience. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is normally required. However some employers prefer a candidate to have a master’s degree in human resources management, business administration, training and development, or organizational development. It may also be beneficial to study educational psychology, behavioral psychology, or instructional design.
Due to the increasing amount of technology used some organizations also look for backgrounds in computer science or information technology. Training and development managers are not required to be certified though many employers prefer to hire those that have a certification or specialize in their industry profile.
Job Description of a Training Manager
The duties of a training and development manager include evaluating the need for training for employees and develop and implement a program that aligns training with the goals and strategies of the organization. They update training programs and oversee the development of new educational materials. He or she is responsible for developing and managing a training budget. They review and select training materials from several vendors for appropriate content and evaluate its’ effectiveness.
A training and development manager usually supervises and trains employees such as program developers, instructional designers, and instructors. They also teach in classrooms or training facilities using videos, on-line applications, hand-held devices, tablets, or self-guided instructional manuals. Some training is done collaboratively with employees through social media or other online mediums.
Training Manager Career Video Transcript
Fact: Employees who are engaged at work are happier, perform better, and stay on the job longer. Training and development managers play a big role in this dynamic: making sure that employees not only learn the skills they need, but also get the learning opportunities they want. These managers research topics, develop workshops and trainings, and give presentations. They may purchase materials from different sources, tailor them for the organization, and create some of their own.
Running new employee orientations is often part of the job. A skilled training manager will conduct surveys, evaluate their programs, and keep tabs on leadership’s priorities to ensure their training efforts hit the target. Training materials and methods must be up to date; they may use distance learning systems or videoconferencing to reach employees at a distance. All while keeping a balanced budget.
Training and development managers work in almost every industry. They almost always work full-time during regular business hours in an office setting. A bachelor’s degree, or sometimes a master’s degree, is required, in business administration, human resources, curriculum design, or a related field.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Managers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 11-3131.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.