What is a Training and Development Manager?
The training and development manager is one of the primary positions in many human resources departments. Training and development managers coordinate programs to develop the skills of company employees. They oversee training and development specialists, who are tasked with bringing in new employees and assisting in training.
Why is Training and Development Important?
Company executives have realized that developing the skills of their employees is essential to business success. In addition, employees are often more attracted to companies that provide opportunities for education and skill development. Training and development specialists contribute to profitability by weeding out top job applicants. Managers contribute by working with departmental managers, executives and financial officers to create developmental strategies and training materials that align with company goals. They also oversee specialists to ensure that the materials are being conveyed effectively.
What Does a Training and Development Manager Do?
Training managers ensure that employees have the capabilities to help grow the business and receive the training necessary to contribute to increased profitability and growth. They typically create the programs that training and development specialists teach to employees.
Managers are responsible for overseeing the education of current employees. This involves:
- Determining core training requirements
- Working closely with management to creating e-learning courses
- Overseeing the creation of educational materials
- Teaching the necessary training methods to specialists, who then educate the employees
- Creating client-targeted training for software and services
- Developing internal and external training metrics reports
What Does a Training and Development Manager Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)* predicts that opportunities for training and development managers and specialists will grow by 8% from 2018 to 2027. According to BLS data from 201, training and development specialists earned an average salary of $62,460. Training and development managers earned a salary of $111,680 on average.
Where to Find Jobs in Training and Development
Training and development specialists work in offices in every sector of the economy. About 17% work in the employment services industry, which includes employment placement agencies, temporary help services and professional employer organizations. Training and development specialists are most likely to find work in company and enterprise management, finance and insurance, or professional scientific and technical services.
How to Become a Training and Development Manager
To become a training and development manager, a bachelor’s degree is typically required, most often in human resources, business administration or a related field. Some employers prefer a master’s degree, usually with a concentration in training and development, human resources management, organizational development or business administration. Managers would also benefit from studying instructional design, behavioral psychology or educational psychology.
Important Skills for Training and Development Managers
Training and development managers should be decisive and have critical-thinking, interpersonal, managerial and speaking skills. Being collaborative leaders and possessing instructional skills are also important qualities for training and development managers to have.