Introduction

Training officers either provide, or ensure the provision of training for all staff involved in delivering services for their local authority. 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. They are found in all types of councils.

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. In many cases training officers have gained, or are studying through various routes for the Institute of Personnel Development’s professional qualification scheme.

Estimated salary range

£21,300 – £24,700 possibly rising to £27,600+ in some areas.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development www.cipd.co.uk

Ento www.empnto.co.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under F.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Training Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.