Introduction
Training officers either provide, or ensure the provision of
training for all staff involved in delivering services for their
local authority. Training Officers may be required to work
collaboratively with neighbouring authorities. This includes
arranging and/or running training events either personally, or
through internal and external partners, consultants, or academic
and vocational institutions.
Depending upon the size of the council a training officer post
could be part of a central training team, part of a personnel/human
resource department, or part of a departmental training function,
for example, within the Education Department. Some training officer
posts are designated as specialists, e.g. management development.
Whatever the role, there will probably be some co- ordination of
training activities at corporate level, by a more senior
officer. There are currently around 8,000 training officers
employed in the UK within local government.
Work Environment
The work environment is usually office based. Some specialist
posts will be based in one area but will work across all parts of
the authority, e.g. health & safety training officer. Some
posts might be permanently based in a training centre, where
different training events take place each day.
Daily Activities
The work is varied. For example, it could involve talking to a
department line manager to explain how the authority training
programme is designed, explaining how pre or post course paperwork
needs to be completed, consulting with external providers, or
preparing for or running a training course. There is also a great
deal of administrative work to do.
Generic training officers have varied responsibilities. They
could have responsibility for collating all materials for a
training event, ensuring that those attending the event are given
plenty of notice about the location, catering, times and date/s
etc. They may also have responsibility for delivering a range of
programmes and events and will need to design and run either one
off or a series of events.
Some will not be involved in running events but will coach and
assess individuals or small groups of staff on college based
programmes or workbased training. More senior posts will require
the training officer to work closely with line managers to help
identify training needs and help to target resources effectively so
that training can be linked to business objectives and mission of
the council. These posts will also manage other staff and have
budgetary responsibilities.
Specialist training officers concentrate on one specific area,
e.g. health & safety. At lower grades these posts support a
more senior or specialised officer. At more senior levels the
postholder could have a wider impact across the council through
offering specialised training and advice to all departments.
Management development training officers design and deliver
training programmes intended to up skill managers in implementing
corporate policies and practices. They also offer advice on the
development of the corporate training plan.
Skills & Interests
Training officers need to have strong communication skills - both
verbal and written. They also need to have the ability to get on
well with all types of people and negotiate with line managers,
consultants, training providers and employees. Commitment to
training and development is essential.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific statutory entry level qualifications for
training officer posts. Some authorities might require a S/NVQ
(level 3) in Training & Development or evidence of equivalent
qualifications and a relevant coaching qualification ie, ILM Level
5. In many cases training officers have gained, or are studying
through various routes for the Institute of Personnel Development's
professional qualification scheme.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Opportunities for promotion to senior training officer and
training manager exist. To gain promotion may require officers to
move from one authority to another. All authorities employ training
officers but the majority are found in the larger authorities where
opportunities for career progression are much greater.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development www.cipd.co.uk
European Network of Training Organisations for Local &
Regional Authorities www.ento.org/portal
Institute of Leadership and Management www.i-l-m.com
European Coaching and Mentoring www.emccouncil.org
Public Sector Management Wales http://wales.gov.uk/psmwsubsite/psmw
Chartered Management Institute www.managers.org.uk
National Open College Network (Agored Cymru) www.agored.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.