Training Manager

What You Do

As a training manager you will plan, direct and coordinate all the informatics training activities of an organization. In some instances, you may be involved in the delivery of training programs to assist users.

Job stream: Education/Training

Sample titles:

• Training Manager
• Training Specialist
• Staff Development Officer
• Training Coordinator

Who You Do It for

Some training managers are employed by:

• computer hardware and software suppliers
• specialist training organizations
• educational institutions
• financial institutions
• government

How You Do It

As a training manager a major part of your job will involve analyzing the training needs of an organization to determine:

• how to modify or improve existing programs, and
• what new training programs would assist the organization in maximizing its use of information technology.

Training managers cover a variety of activities throughout their job. Depending upon where you are in the hierarchy, on a day-to-day basis you could be:

• designing and delivering training programs,
• developing and organizing training manuals, multimedia aids and other educational material, etc.,
• formulating training policies and schedules,
• evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and other instructor performance, and
• approving and recommending training programs.

Challenges

As a training manager, you will need to be multifaceted. Your challenge will be to continually keep up to date on the latest instructional methods, materials and training techniques, while also understanding the business principles of strategic planning, resource allocation and organizational planning. In addition, since your client group will be made up of users with varying technical expertise, you will need to develop multiple approaches to training.

Skills

• gather and interpret relevant data and information,
• interact with computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems,
• relate to people easily,
• be organized and able to coordinate activities,
• organize and deliver materials,
• communicate clear and consistent information,
• think analytically and problem solve,
• make effective decisions under pressure
• explain complex information simply and accurately, and
• pay attention to detail and work effectively under pressure.

Working Conditions

Training managers work in comfortable offices. However, they may be required to perform some of their training at clients’ sites. They usually work a 40-hour week, and work little or no overtime.

Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, training managers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems. Delivering stand-up classroom training all day can be fatiguing, particularly on the back and legs.

What the Future holds

As technology becomes more accepted in society, new employment opportunities are being created, and the growth rate is expected to continue to increase. The career future for training managers looks very promising.

Skill Levels

Junior Training Manager

Working under the supervision of a more senior informatics staff member, you could be required to do any of the following:

• effectively deliver pre-designed course and lecture material,
• supervise students carrying out practical work,
• develop and test practical examples and case study material,
• give detailed instruction to differing levels of students,
• respond to the needs of differing levels of student capability,
• edit, maintain, and arrange distribution of training materials and packages, and
• participate in pilot projects by evaluating training products and materials.

Full Working Training Manager

You will be performing the job as training manager without supervision, and you may be responsible for the supervision of other staff on a project. In addition, you may be responsible for small projects or portions of medium-large projects, and you may also be required to:

• provide training on delivery methods and products to users,
• deliver training to both technical staff and users,
• evaluate the need for, design, develop and write training materials,
• revise existing training materials re: changes in technology,
• provide and administer distribution of training materials, etc.,
• respond to a wide variety of questions,
• research new training delivery methods and products, and
• coordinate standards and requirements for training.

Intermediate Training Manager

As the intermediate training manager, you will be expected to supervise staff. You may also be required to:

• coordinate standards and requirements for training sessions,
• approve and recommend appropriate training policies and standards,
• approve training packages, materials and products,
• coordinate research in new training delivery methods and products,
• respond to detailed questions re: area of technical specialization,
• train other systems trainers in advanced training skills, methods and tools,
• oversee financial and contractual activities of external personnel,
• recommend changes to training that are cost effective and efficient,
• respond to general questions covering all aspects of informatics, and
• supervise and appraise work of other trainers.

Senior Training Manager

As the senior training manager you will most likely be involved in planning, conducting and supervising complex informatics assignments. You will also be involved in designing and applying new methods and procedures and supervising staff. You could also be required to:

• coordinate analysis of need for training products,
• coordinate trainers and take responsibility for their training activities,
• ensure adherence to organization procedures and standards in training,
• ensure overall integrity of data utilized in case studies,
• develop and supervise the design and construction of training courses,
• coordinate all training pilot projects,
• establish priorities in training, product development and presentations,
• take responsibility for delivery of cost effective training,
• oversee contractual and financial activities of external instructors,
• develop and maintain systems for monitoring and scheduling training,
• remain current and investigate new ideas in adult learning and IT training,
• train, discipline and appraise training staff, and
• work with teams to review consistency and accuracy of design documents.

Salary Range

$41,000 - $62,500

Education and Training

Junior Training Manager

You need a university degree or college diploma with 0-2 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in this stream. Course work in computers, programming, human resources management and public administration are important assets in securing this position.

Full Working Training Manager

This level requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Intermediate Training Manager

This level requires 6-8 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Senior Training Manager

This level requires 6-8 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience as well as a university degree or college diploma.