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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 assessing training programmes within organisations. Their goal is to improve employees' skills, boost performance, and help staff reach their career potential. This role involves working closely with management to identify training needs, creating learning materials, organising workshops or online courses, and tracking the effectiveness of training initiatives. Learning & Development Specialists often use a range of methods, from face-to-face sessions to e-learning platforms, and need strong communication and organisational skills. It is a role that suits those who enjoy helping others grow and want to make a positive impact on workplace culture.

Learning & Development Specialist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Learning & Development Specialist in the UK is around £32,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Openings

There were approximately 9,000 job postings for Learning & Development roles in the UK in 2023, according to job market analyses.

Industries Employing

The largest employers of Learning & Development Specialists in the UK are in sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and technology.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Digital Learning Designer

Focuses on creating online training materials, e-learning modules, and interactive resources to support employee development in organisations.

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Training Needs Analyst

Specialises in identifying skill gaps within a business and recommending targeted training programmes to address those gaps.

Leadership Development Programme Coordinator

Organises and manages tailored training schemes specifically aimed at developing leadership and management skills within a company.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSEs, especially in English and subjects like business studies or psychology.

Most employers require a solid foundation of GCSEs, often including maths and English. Subjects that involve communication or understanding people, such as business or psychology, are especially helpful. Consider taking A Levels or equivalent qualifications for further study.

Pursue Higher Education

Obtain a degree in a relevant subject such as Human Resources, Education, Psychology, or Business.

A university degree is often required for Learning & Development roles. Courses in Human Resources Management, Education, Psychology, or Business provide useful backgrounds. Some universities offer specific modules or degrees in learning and development.

Build Practical Experience

Seek Work Placements or Internships

Gain experience through placements, internships, or volunteering in HR or training roles.

Experience in a real workplace is highly valued. Look for internships in HR departments or roles that involve training and supporting staff. Volunteering to organise events or deliver training sessions can also be beneficial.

Develop Presentation and Communication Skills

Practise delivering presentations and facilitating small group discussions.

Strong communication skills are essential in this field. Join clubs or societies that offer opportunities to present or run workshops, such as debating societies or youth groups. Consider courses in public speaking or facilitation.

Specialise and Progress

Gain Professional Qualifications

Complete additional professional training such as CIPD qualifications in Learning & Development.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers professional qualifications specifically in Learning & Development. These qualifications are highly regarded and can help you progress to more senior roles.

Apply for Learning & Development Roles

Look for entry-level Learning & Development or Training Officer positions in organisations.

Start by applying for roles like Learning & Development Assistant, Training Officer, or similar positions. Use your degree, experience, and any professional qualifications to demonstrate your suitability. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and achievements.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Learning & Development Specialist and a Training officer both focus on designing, delivering, and managing training programmes to improve skills and knowledge within an organisation. Their roles are closely aligned in terms of qualifications, objectives, and the emphasis on corporate training and development.

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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