Information technology (IT) is largely the development, installation and implementation of computer systems. The prevalence of computers in today’s workforce likely means IT trainer jobs may be found in many diverse environments. Examples may include working with external customers to analyze their technological experiences, developing eLearning strategies for government agencies and instructing end-users on specific software platforms. Training jobs may also be available training employees for company-specific systems. The nature of IT training means many of these jobs will hold similar functions, although requirements may differ vastly.
IT trainers often develop and execute training programs in information and communications technology. In addition to technical training, these professionals may also be skilled in such computer applications as firewalls, anti-virus packages, various software platforms, Internet browsers and company-specific applications. Additional IT trainer duties are likely to include management of learning environments to transfer skills. These may include virtual labs, brick-and-mortar classrooms and corporate content management platforms.
The diversity of computer applications has made it possible for IT trainers to find work in many different environments. In some instances, IT trainer jobs are available working directly with external customers. A company that analyzes customer experiences with various technologies may hold such an opportunity. In this position, the trainer may consult with product managers and engineers to develop course materials and training curricula.
When training customers, IT professionals are likely to work with both corporations and individuals. This may mean customizing training solutions to meet one customer’s specific business situation and another customer’s individual needs. Further responsibilities may include assessing the training programs based upon customer feedback and performance.
Some trainers may work for companies that provide IT solutions to local or national governmental agencies. Such solutions are likely to include network-centric command operations, wideband networking radio systems and geospatial information services. In this capacity, the IT trainer may design online training content for continual development. The content may be dependent upon previous research and eLearning prototypes also created by the trainer. This person may apply instructional systems design theories and learning principles to develop comprehensive training packages.
IT trainer jobs may also pertain to a specific product or software package sold to end-users. Such training may thus occur only annually or if new employees join a customer’s team. Some software developers, for instance, target school teachers to improve technology in the classroom. Occasionally called field trainers, these positions may travel throughout a specific region to complete training sessions with K-12 teachers. It is likely each training approach would need to be tailored for individual groups, and workbooks or other materials may be included with the software instructions.
Large corporations may work with specialized software or application platforms that pertain to their goods or services. Such software is likely to require training for employees, particularly if annual updates are made or new employees are hired periodically. These IT trainer jobs may thus coordinate the delivery of software instruction for new and existing employees. Topics of training may include standard and routine operations as well as more advanced capabilities. Additional responsibilities may include briefing managers on new networking developments and identifying those employees in need of further training.
While training often differs among individual organizations, fundamental tasks may remain the same. A sample IT trainer job description may therefore require the position to schedule training programs throughout the year, coordinate delivery of training topics and maintain training files for faculty. It is likely that many training positions will also need to understand how training interventions meet the company’s needs and report to management regarding training progress and completion.
IT trainer requirements may run the gamete, from professionals licensed to teach K-12 to those with prior work experience in training development and implementation. Some employers may prefer candidates with Bachelor’s degrees in communication, training or a related field. Additional qualifications may include a degree in computer science and national or local certification as a training instructor. Candidates with both four-year degrees and relevant certification may receive preference over those without.
