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Learning & Development Specialist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Learning & Development Specialist is responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating training programmes within organisations. They work closely with employees and management to identify skill gaps and create learning solutions that help staff grow professionally. This may involve running workshops, e-learning courses, or on-the-job training sessions. The role often sits within the human resources (HR) or organisational development team and requires strong communication, organisational, and presentation skills. Learning & Development Specialists play a key part in helping businesses improve performance and adapt to new technologies or processes.

Learning & Development Specialist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Learning & Development Specialists in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £60,000.

Employment Numbers

There are over 20,000 professionals working in Learning & Development roles across the UK, based on CIPD data.

Job Growth

Demand for Learning & Development specialists is expected to grow by around 7 percent over the next five years as companies invest more in employee training.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Digital Learning Designer

Creates engaging online training materials and e-learning courses for organisations, often using specialist software.

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Apprenticeship Programme Coordinator

Manages and develops structured apprenticeship programmes, supporting young people and new employees to gain skills and qualifications.

Corporate Training Facilitator

Delivers in-person or virtual training sessions to employees, focusing on specific topics like leadership development or communication skills.

Build Relevant Knowledge

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve GCSEs or equivalent, focusing on English and Maths, as these subjects are essential for communication and numeracy skills.

Strong GCSE results will provide a solid foundation for further study. English is important for communication, while Maths is useful for analysing training needs and results. Consider taking subjects like Psychology, Business Studies, or IT if available, as they can provide useful background knowledge.

Pursue Further Education

Study for A levels, BTECs, or a relevant apprenticeship. Subjects such as Business, Human Resources, or Psychology are particularly useful.

Further education helps you develop critical thinking and a deeper understanding of topics that are relevant to learning and development. Some students may choose to go straight into an apprenticeship in business administration or HR, which offers practical experience alongside study.

Earn a Degree or Equivalent Qualification

Obtain a university degree in Human Resource Management, Education, Psychology, or a related field. Alternatively, complete a Higher National Diploma or a relevant apprenticeship.

A degree is often required for specialist roles in learning and development, especially in larger organisations. Courses in HR, Education, or Psychology give you insights into how people learn and how organisations work. Some employers may also value professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Gain Practical Experience

Secure an Entry-Level HR or Training Role

Look for jobs such as HR Assistant, Training Administrator, or Learning Support Officer to gain experience in the workplace.

Entry-level roles provide hands-on experience with training administration, scheduling, and supporting learning activities. These roles help you understand organisational structures, develop communication skills, and learn about training needs analysis.

Assist in Delivering Training Sessions

Volunteer to support or co-deliver workshops, inductions, or in-house training sessions.

Helping to deliver training will build your confidence and give you practical experience in facilitating learning. You will also gain feedback on your delivery style and learn how to engage different types of learners.

Develop and Evaluate Training Materials

Create and review training resources, such as presentations, handouts, and e-learning modules.

Practical experience in designing training materials is highly valued. This step helps you understand how to structure content for different audiences and evaluate its effectiveness using feedback and assessment tools.

Advance Your Professional Skills

Gain a CIPD Qualification

Study for a qualification through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), focusing on Learning and Development.

CIPD qualifications are widely recognised and will enhance your knowledge of best practice in the field. They also demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development, which employers value.

Build a Professional Network

Join relevant professional bodies, attend conferences, and participate in industry events.

Networking enables you to learn from experienced professionals, discover job opportunities, and stay up-to-date with new trends and technologies in learning and development.

Seek Progression Opportunities

Apply for Learning & Development Specialist roles or similar positions, and continue to develop your skills through ongoing training and feedback.

As you gain experience, look for roles with greater responsibility, such as Learning & Development Manager or Head of Training. Continuing to learn and adapt will help you stay effective in a rapidly changing field.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Learning & Development Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Learning & Development Specialist and a Training officer both focus on designing, implementing, and evaluating training programmes to improve skills and knowledge within an organisation. Their roles are closely aligned in fostering employee development and organisational learning.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

This role is open to graduates from all subjects. It can be particularly useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • business studies
  • communications
  • psychology
  • education and training
  • human resources management

You could also study for a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Most degree subjects are accepted for entry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Courses include:

  • learning and development
  • digital skills: teaching and learning
  • facilitating learning and development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Learning and Development Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Learning and Skills Teacher Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

If you're looking to go into training management, you could do a Learning and Development Consultant Business Partner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships take a minimum of one year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start as an assistant in a human resources, recruitment or training department, and work your way up by taking training and development qualifications on the job.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need experience in training or teaching to be successful. Employers will expect you to have an understanding of their industry.

They may also want you to have a qualification in the subject you wish to offer training. For example, a recognised IT qualification to teach IT skills.

Other Routes

You can take professional qualifications in learning and development, either online or at a training centre, approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

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Career tips

You'll have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience and qualifications from:

  • teaching in schools or further education
  • working as a skills assessor

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a training officer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

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