Training and development programs are necessary to improve the quality and competence of the employees managed by the training and development specialist. Read a detailed description of the role and skills of a training and development specialist and the types of training and development.
What is training and further education?
A training and development specialist is a person who is responsible for creating, managing, and delivering specialized training programs on behalf of a company or organization. Training and development specialists create, develop, and provide training and development programs for management and employees on behalf of companies and other businesses. The need for training and development specialists is expected to grow by 9% between 2019 and 2029.
Goals of Training and Development
Training and development has several goals that can benefit a company: These goals are:
- Reduce turnover
Training is one of the best ways to recognize employee contributions. This shows employees that the company is invested in their well-being and growth, helping them stay loyal to the company. - Prepare for the challenges ahead
Trends are always changing and it is very important to prepare your team, so training is a good step to prepare your employees for the changes that may occur in your industry. - Develop leadership
There is no better way to develop future leaders than to train the right group and set clear career paths to prevent employee turnover and dissatisfaction. - Company growth
Companies that offer the opportunity to train their employees are generally wealthier and more progressive because employees are a company’s most important asset and you need to look after them as well as your company.
Tasks of a Training and Development Specialist
Several tasks are typically performed by a training and development specialist. These tasks include:
- Determine the need for training
First, the specialist must gather information from employees, managers, and trainers through questionnaires, interviews, and consultations to determine what kind of training is needed. - Creating and Preparing Training Materials
The Training and Development Specialist is tasked with preparing training materials. They must design and create instructional materials using educational methods that align with the staff development strategy. They are also responsible for selecting and appointing trainers. - Finding Training Participants
The Training and Development department is also responsible for finding employees who need additional training to improve their skills. This includes sorting out the type of training each participant needs. - Employee Training and Analysis
The next task of the specialist is to carry out a training and job analysis of the new employee in consultation with the manager and the HR manager. This analysis process needs to be considered as a whole, including the employee’s skills and abilities. - Conducting a Training Evaluation
When conducting a training evaluation, the specialist should make the necessary preparations along with other team members. Do not forget to receive feedback from the trainees about the completed training. The training and development specialist can also check the enthusiasm of the participants when conducting the training. The specialist should also evaluate the training based on indicators such as increased productivity, increased profits, reduced costs, reduced error rates, improved quality, and reduced participant complaints. - Manages training operations
The training and development specialist is also responsible for managing the training budget and expenses, planning the courses, managing the systems and tools used, coordinating training registrations, evaluating the training programs, and reserving locations when necessary. - Acts as a liaison
The training and development specialist also acts as a supporter and mentor for participants and recruits while monitoring employee performance.
Training and development specialists need several skills to do their jobs better. These skills include:
- Presentation Skills
Education and training specialists need good presentation skills because their main job is to convey information clearly and concisely. This, of course, includes solid oral skills, written skills, and presentation skills. - Communication
Training and development specialists work with many different people and departments from many different backgrounds. To be successful as a training and development specialist, you need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills. - Organization
Training and development specialists must have the organizational skills to organize the development and implementation of a variety of training methods and strategies. - Adaptability
Education and training are increasingly changing, so specialists must remain flexible and be able to adapt quickly to new environments. Training and development specialists will be exposed to a variety of personality types, so they must be able to adapt quickly. - Good Listener
Most activities to effectively train employees and develop their skills include active listening activities to encourage participant participation. Therefore, training and development specialists must be good listeners. - Strategy and Critical Thinking
As trainers, training and development specialists need a strategic approach and a willingness to analyze results to improve and solve problems as they arise. Creating the best training materials also requires analytical, research, and strategy development skills. - Keeping Up with Evolving Learning Trends
Training and development specialists need to stay up to date on evolving learning trends in order to apply the latest learning and training trends during training. - Knowledge of using software
During training, the specialist should also be able to use software such as Microsoft Office and other training software. - Time Management and Multitasking
Training and development specialists shoulder multiple jobs at the same time, so they need to be able to manage their time, focus on more important tasks, and multitask.
This was the information about Training and Development Specialists. If you have a passion for teaching others and helping them improve their skills and knowledge, this career as an education and training specialist may be perfect for you.