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What is a training specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Michael Broetzmann,
Maria Salazar Ph.D.
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A training specialist designs develops, and delivers training programs to improve the performance of individuals or teams within an organization. They analyze training needs, identify learning objectives, and create instructional materials. They use a variety of techniques such as classroom instruction, e-learning modules, and on-the-job training to deliver the training programs. Training specialists also evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs by assessing learner performance and feedback.

What general advice would you give to a training specialist?

Michael BroetzmannMichael Broetzmann LinkedIn profile

Manager- Technical Training, Gasoline Engines, Kohler Engines

The biggest change/challenge for recent grads/new technicians/people entering the field as a small engine mechanic in the COVID era is how they will become trained and certified for the job.

We know that many of the Small Engine Mechanics in our industry come directly out of high school or vocational school, where they were traditionally trained with hands-on, instructor-led, technical training courses. The past year, COVID has drastically changed how technicians are trained and how they must consume information to be prepared for the job. Schools and industry alike, have been force to transition this training to a virtual environment, which poses obstacles for a demographic that usually thrives in hands-on learning.

The good news is there are plenty of opportunities and avenues to learn, whether they are still in school or already landed a job. Whether it is organizations like the EETC that offers a wide array of eLearning courses to cover the basics, or industry/manufacturing training courses that focus on specific products and procedures; the resources are available to bring them up to speed in the absence of traditional training.

One thing has remained constant through these times, the need for highly trained technicians to service equipment is growing, and regardless of the situation, the training tools will be provided to give them the knowledge and skills that are needed to be successful.
ScoreTraining SpecialistUS Average
Salary
6.0

Avg. Salary $77,231

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.5

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 6.60%

Black or African American 11.24%

Hispanic or Latino 15.95%

Unknown 6.61%

White 59.08%

Gender

female 54.49%

male 45.51%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a training specialist?

Pros

  • Opportunity to help others improve their skills and advance their careers

  • Variety of tasks and projects

  • Chance to work with a diverse group of people

  • Constant learning and professional development opportunities

  • Competitive salary and benefits packages

Cons

  • Can be challenging to design effective training programs that meet the needs of all learners

  • May need to travel frequently for training sessions or conferences

  • It can be stressful to manage multiple projects simultaneously

  • May face resistance from employees who are resistant to change or learning new skills

  • Can be frustrating when trainees do not apply what they have learned on the job

Training specialist career paths

Key steps to become a training specialist

  1. Explore training specialist education requirements

    Most common training specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.1 %

    Associate

    15.3 %

    Master's

    13.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific training specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service9.91%
    Training Programs9.32%
    Training Materials6.68%
    PowerPoint5.45%
    Training Sessions5.34%
  3. Complete relevant training specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New training specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a training specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real training specialist resumes.
  4. Research training specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Instruct representatives on how to maximize functionality of relational database to effectively manage their sales territories and expenses.
    • Develop training manuals and PowerPoint presentations for assign training projects using the ADDIE instructional design method.
    • Work as a technical trainer for undergraduate students for subjects such as JAVA, SQL, HTML and CSS.
    • Establish information technology help desk by developing reference tools and processes necessary to troubleshoot issues.
  5. Prepare your training specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your training specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a training specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable training specialist resume templates

    Build a professional training specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your training specialist resume.
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  6. Apply for training specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a training specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first training specialist job

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Average training specialist salary

The average training specialist salary in the United States is $77,231 per year or $37 per hour. Training specialist salaries range between $53,000 and $110,000 per year.

Average training specialist salary
$77,231 Yearly
$37.13 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do training specialists rate their job?

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Training specialist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

First of all, i'll say that i like the routine. I have had amazing health benefits because of waking up early and go to school because i live quite far. In the school, i like the working mechanism and how everyone is committed and dedicated for the job. The most important thing i like is that how i am able to make my place in the room of young, enthusiast children who see me as their mentor. I love being the change maker and i's always love to be a professional learning specialist because this is what angels would do.

Cons

I do not like if any of my students is getting punished by any senior colleague or even his or her parents. I believe the change might occur if we just listen to the concerns of the young lot.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

Sharing your experience for the benefit of others. Making the learners feel enriched with their take always from your session. Are able to execute and apply their learnings, successfully.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Here we are working as a team and make others to work in team and make to grow with their own skills in the life and time management


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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