Trainer or Tutor
Trainers and tutors work with individuals, groups or organisations to provide practical training that improves workplace performance. They teach a range of courses that may include topics on management, computers, team building, time management, presentation, basic work skills, and interpersonal skills such as communication and negotiation.
Tasks may include:
• discussing training requirements with clients
• designing individual training programmes for organisations
• taking training workshops and/or giving seminars
• developing course outlines and exercises for trainees
• writing and/or updating training manuals
• taking courses on skills for re-entering the workforce
• evaluating training and reporting on students
• business development
• taking classes on a wide variety of topics.
Skills and knowledge
Trainers and tutors need to have:
• knowledge of the subject area/s they are teaching, and how to plan lessons
• knowledge of issues that may affect public and private sector clients
• the ability to co-ordinate a class of people at different stages of their learning
• teaching skills
• the ability to operate technical equipment that may be used during training
• good communication and writing skills
• an understanding of cultural differences
• good time management skills
• networking skills, if you are working as a consultant or are self employed.
Personal qualities
You need to be able to relate well to people individually and as a group. You also need to be flexible in your teaching methods, motivated, optimistic, confident and outgoing. A sense of humour goes a long way.
Trainers and tutors can spend a lot of time on their feet and you need to be able to project your voice well.
Career progression
Trainers and tutors may become self-employed, consultants in the area they are teaching, or move into other teaching or tutoring roles.
