Training

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

This role is open to graduates from all subjects. It can be particularly useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• business studies
• communications
• psychology
• education and training
• human resources management

You could also study for a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Most degree subjects are accepted for entry.

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
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Courses include:learning and development; digital skills:

• teaching and learning
• facilitating learning and development

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Learning and Development Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Learning and Skills Teacher Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

If you're looking to go into training management, you could do a Learning and Development Consultant Business Partner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships take a minimum of one year and 6 months to complete.

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
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as an assistant in a human resources, recruitment or training department, and work your way up by taking training and development qualifications on the job.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need experience in training or teaching to be successful. Employers will expect you to have an understanding of their industry.

They may also want you to have a qualification in the subject you wish to offer training. For example, a recognised IT qualification to teach IT skills.

Other routes

You can take professional qualifications in learning and development, either online or at a training centre, approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

More information

Career tips

You'll have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience and qualifications from:teaching in schools or further education; working as a skills assessor

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a training officer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could:become a senior training officer, training manager or assessor; work as a freelance trainer or coaching consultant; move into human resources management; go into further education teaching

You can join the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

You can find out more about becoming a training officer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.