Energy Efficiency Jobs
Training and development specialists jobs are expected to grow at a rate much faster than the average.
Training and development specialists jobs are expected to grow at a rate much faster than the average.
Training and development specialists main focus is to analyze training needs, design and conduct training and development programs to improve the performance of green job holders and green businesses. The demand for training and development specialists is high, partially thanks to the need to have more qualified professionals in different green careers. Training and development specialists assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives. They attend meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.
As trainers, training and development specialists evaluate training materials and develop alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen. They monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or programs to assure their effectiveness. They offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills. They organize, develop, or obtain training manuals and course materials such as handouts and visual materials. They present information using a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
As human resource development specialists, these specialized job holders design, plan, organize and direct orientation and training for employees or customers of traditional and green businesses. They also supervise instructors, evaluate instructor performance, and refer instructors to classes for skill development. These specialists devise programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions. Additionally, the HR development specialists schedule classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors. They select and assign instructors to conduct training, while coordinating recruitment and placement of training program participants. Training and development specialists also monitor training costs to ensure that budget is not exceeded and prepare budget reports to justify training expenses. They negotiate contracts with clients including desired training outcomes, fees, or expenses.
The following are technologies that training and development specialists may use in their jobs:
Training and development specialists may work independently or as members of a team. Their work may involve the use of audiovisual equipment or office computer. Many trainers travel extensively to company locations to conduct training workshops. They usually work a 40 hour work week. Some trainers need to work on weekends or evening if training programs are scheduled outside of normal working hours.
Most training and development specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree, often in computer science, psychology, English, or management science. Many trainers also have a master’s degree in a training-related field. A doctoral degree is becoming common among those trainers who specialize in the development of new training programs. Training and development specialists can also take two or four year programs or specialized courses related to training at many colleges and universities nationwide. Course work in communication skills such as public speaking and audiovisual techniques and in management science are especially helpful. Many people enter the field after previous experience as teachers, broadcasters, or in other professions that involve public speaking. The American Society for Training and Development and International Society for Performance Improvement offer certification programs in the training and development field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of this field to grow 20 to 28 percent from 2010 until 2020; faster than the average for all green jobs. The BLS projected 98,300 training and development specialist job openings between 2010 and 2020, and noted 218,000 jobs are currently filled. Titles included Corporate Trainer, Computer Training Specialist, Job Training Specialist, Management Development Specialist, Trainer, Training Coordinator, Training Specialist, E-Learning Developer, and Technical Trainer. The BLS further reports that the median annual wage for training and development specialist was $55,150 in 2011 with median hourly wage of $ 26.51. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,760, and the top 10 percent earned more than $91,820.
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