I have been working in a training and development role for five years. I
have gained my CIPD-CTP and have recently obtained my City and Guilds 7307 –
Adult and Further Education Teaching Certificate. My work has mainly been in
stand-up delivery and I’m getting a bit bored. I would like to move into
training management. Any ideas on how best to accomplish this? Should I study
the second year of my CTP, or look at a different qualification?
Grant Taylor, consultant, Macmillan Davies Hodes
You need to take a two-pronged approach of academic development and
extending your work experience to gain the competencies that you will need in
training management.
Firstly, this means completing the second part of the CTP to broaden your
experience in training strategy and performance analysis at an organisational
level. Then consider taking this a stage further, perhaps with a Masters degree
combining HR and business.
Secondly, and just as important, is to broaden your actual work experience.
You need to work in a role that gives you more exposure to the business, so you
can see how staff development is linked with organisational success. If your
current organisation cannot offer you this, start looking around for somewhere
that can.
You should also begin taking steps towards develop the competencies you will
need as a training manager, such as wider business awareness, the ability to
develop and monitor strategic training plans, the ability to use performance
analysis to improve an organisation and the ability to plan and promote
organisational change
You will also have to demonstrate leadership and management skills in the
training function as well as devising knowledge management solutions – all of
which requires up-to-date professional business knowledge, skills and
attitudes.
Reviewing your progress every six months will show whether you are taking
positive steps towards achieving your goal.
Peter Sell, joint managing director, DMS consultancy
After five years in the same role, it is now a good time to consider a
change. Although your experience and qualifications are relevant to your
current role, you should be looking at a qualification that covers the more
strategic elements of training and development.
The CIPD professional development programme has electives around learning
and development, which would also give you licentiate membership. Information
on providers can be obtained from the CIPD education department.
You also need to look at taking a small step towards a training management
role. Keep a look out for advertisements for T&D roles that include both
operational and strategic elements of training.
Finally, look at the development opportunities in your own organisation. If
your superiors have noticed boredom creeping in, they may welcome you
discussing your career needs.
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