Training and Development Specialists
What is a Training and Development Specialist?
Training and Development Specialists are professionals who research, design, and implement programs that enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees within an organization. They play a critical role in developing workforce capabilities by identifying training needs, creating instructional materials, and delivering training sessions. Specialists in this field often work closely with management and employees to assess current abilities and determine what training is necessary to achieve both personal career goals and the overall strategic objectives of the organization. Training can range from onboarding new hires and conducting workshops to developing leadership programs and providing ongoing education to retain industry-relevant skills. Additionally, Training and Development Specialists may use various methodologies, such as e-learning, hands-on training, and simulations, to cater to diverse learning preferences and ensure effective learning experiences. By fostering employee development, they contribute to improved job performance, employee satisfaction, and retention, ultimately enhancing the overall productivity and success of the organization.
Tasks
- Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
Technology Skills
- Web platform development software
- Computer based training software
- Video conferencing software
- Presentation software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Tools Used
- Notebook computers
- Liquid crystal display projector
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Laser printers
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Desktop computers
- Overhead projectors
Knowledge
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Coordinate training activities.
- Develop training materials.
- Train personnel to enhance job skills.
- Conduct surveys in organizations.
- Evaluate training programs, instructors, or materials.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36050.0 - $116140.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.