IT trainers create and deliver courses that teach people at all levels of ability how to use information and communications technology (ICT) systems.

They specialise either in teaching desktop applications (such as Microsoft Office, internet, email), professional skills (such as networks, programming, security applications or project management) or specialist software for industries such as healthcare and finance.

The Work

You could be:

• designing and delivering training courses to a wide range of people
• discussing the clients' needs, assessing their present level of knowledge and deciding on their learning outcome
• designing or choosing a course which meets those needs
• producing materials for the course – such as ‘help’ screens, documentation, practice exercises and course notes
• setting up and checking equipment in a training room, before starting the course
• delivering the course in a classroom environment or online
• helping clients to work through online courses, or virtual learning environments (VLEs)
• evaluating the success of courses through client feedback
• keeping up to date with new developments by liaising with other trainers and meeting salespeople to discuss new programs and applications.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting pay can be around £18,000 to £25,000 a year. More experienced IT trainers can earn from £30,000 to £45,000 or more a year.

You might earn more through bonuses and performance related pay.

If you become self-employed, your income will vary, depending on the contracts you are able to get. A daily rate might start at around £250 per day.

Conditions

• You work in classrooms, training centres or IT workplaces. Classes may sometimes be quite small.
• You might deliver training online through e-learning or virtual learning environments.
• You mostly work within normal office hours, but some courses may run in the evening or at weekends. You may also spend some time in the evenings or at weekends preparing courses.
• Part time work is common.
• You have to travel to different organisations to deliver their courses.
• You might have to spend some overnights away from home.

Getting In

There is no single entry route.

• Most entrants have an HNC (SCQF Level 7), HND (SCQF Level 8) or a degree (SCQF Levels 9-11) in a computing subject.
• For entry, HNC and HND courses normally require 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 4 or 5. Degree courses require 4-5 Highers. Maths and Computing Science may be useful.
• Entrants with a degree in a non-computing subject could take a postgraduate (SCQF Level 11) conversion course.
• If you have substantial experience of working in IT, you might be able to enter this work even if you do not have a degree, HNC or HND.
• Some employers ask for assessor or verifier awards, or training or teaching qualifications.
• A driving licence is useful if you have to travel between training centres and clients.

There is growing demand for IT trainers in software and systems companies as well as in colleges, libraries, adult education and training organisations. Some large companies have their own training departments. You will find jobs advertised in the press and on the internet.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2022

14414

1.5 %

RISE

2027

14635

  United Kingdom

2022

158861

1.9 %

RISE

2027

161805

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• good presentation skills
• a sound knowledge of a wide range of IT systems and packages, including new developments
• good written skills to produce course notes
• confidence and enthusiasm
• patience and tact
• good organisational and time keeping skills.

You need to be able to:

• communicate with a wide range of people
• adapt your training methods to suit the client's needs
• motivate learners of all abilities
• work on your own
• keep up to date with new developments.

Training

• You could take short courses in specialist programs and packages, such as those run by, or on behalf of, organisations like Microsoft, Cisco or ZENworks.
• The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification for trainers who wish to verify they have reached a standard of excellence.
• The Learning and Performance Institute provides information on qualifications and courses.

Getting On

• If you work for a training company, you could progress to posts such as senior trainer, departmental manager or area co-ordinator.
• You could become self-employed and offer training services to private companies or as part of one of the government schemes to raise the level of IT literacy.

More Information

If you are considering a career in IT why not take a look at the Tech Future Careers website developed by the Tech Partnership, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology? You will find the video case studies of workers and general information on the industry useful.

For more information please see organisations listed below: 

• BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
• Learning and Performance Institute