Vocational and industrial trainer or instructor - requirements

Vocational and industrial trainers and instructors develop courses and workshops to provide training for people who need to learn new skills for their career. They may teach skills in IT, typing or even welding. Learn more about what this work involves and how to qualify.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be a vocational and industrial trainer or instructor?

Subjects to consider include:

Vocational and industrial trainers usually have an undergraduate degree or apprenticeship. While you can secure a job without formal qualifications, you’ll need enough work experience, which can be hard to get.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a vocational and industrial trainer or instructor?

Although a postgraduate degree isn’t compulsory, it could help you to stand out in the job market and provide you with extensive knowledge of your chosen subject.

Any degree is relevant if that’s what you want to specialise in. Examples of taught MAs and research degrees include:

  • Education
  • Sport coaching
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • IT
  • Human resources management

What skills do you need to be a vocational and industrial trainer or instructor?

You need to be a good teacher, using the most effective training techniques plus an in-depth knowledge of your subject area.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Presenting
  • Auditing
  • Technical training
  • Finance
  • Public speaking
Soft skills include:
  • Detail-oriented
  • Innovation
  • Organisation
  • Self-motivation
  • Team player

Do you need work experience to be a vocational and industrial trainer or instructor?

Getting work experience in human resources or teaching would be perfect for this line of work. Employers want to see that you’ll be comfortable standing and speaking in front of a group of people to deliver training sessions. Your experience could be a placement, internship, shadowing or volunteering.

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