Job description
Training and development managers plan and supervise continuing education activities for employees of an organisation. This can include programmes to update their technology skills, learn new laws related to their profession or work on team building.
Training and development managers assess the company's overall business goals, evaluate the staff's specific needs for training and work within a budget. They oversee a staff of specialists who teach course content and create instructional videos, manuals and interactive online programmes.
Duties
- Consult with executives and department heads to assess business goals, changes or other issues
- Analyse training needs to address gaps in knowledge and skills, compliance and other issues
- Plan, design and coordinate training and staff development programmes to achieve company goals
- Create or supervise creation of instructional videos, manuals and interactive online systems
- Prepare training budget for department or organisation and ensure programmes stay within budget
- Train instructors in methods of teaching coursework and interacting with employees
- Conduct orientation sessions, on-the-job training for new hires and continuing education classes
- Evaluate instructor performance and programme effectiveness; recommend and implement improvements
- Review training and apprenticeship programmes for compliance with government standards
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
8%
New jobs
3.1k
Automation risk
0.63%
Career progression
Many training and development managers begin as training specialists. Good communication skills and experience in your industry can often lead to a role in the training department. Excelling in instruction, organisation, creative coursework and computer skills can help you advance to a role as manager.
Training managers may develop programmes for one department of a business and progress to management for the whole company. You may also find more challenging and lucrative roles by switching to a larger organisation or fast-paced industry. Additional education and certification in your field can help you land more prestigious jobs.
Some training and development managers may wish to transition to related career paths, such as teaching or human resources management.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Full Time
Standard business hours
Most training and development managers work full time in an office environment. They may travel between the main and regional offices, or to a training centre. Overtime hours are possible, particularly in large companies and when coordinating extensive training events.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$64k
Median
$110k
Top 10%
$190k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Undergraduate
Bachelor's degree in HR or related subject
Study time
4 years
Training and development managers typically have a bachelor's degree in human resources, education, business administration or a similar field. They may also have a degree related to the industry their company operates in. Coursework in psychology and instructional design can also be beneficial.
Some companies also require a master's degree for training and development managers. Preferred subjects include training and development, human resources management, organisational development and business administration. Employers usually seek managers with previous experience in training and development or a related field.
Certification is not typically required but can help prove expertise and good standing with a professional organisation. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) and the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) offer certification programmes in training and development.
Sources
Association for Talent Development (ATD) Bureau of Labor Statistics International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) O*NET Online Oxford Martin SchoolLast Updated: Thursday, January 12, 2023
