Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- IT Trainer / Instructor- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
Working Life
IT trainers teach people to use computers in businesses, schools, colleges, universities and employment training schemes. They may be working with people who have no previous experience of computers, giving them a basic understanding of the technology, or they may be showing more computer literate people how to use a specific computer system or software product.
Trainers support people's learning, encouraging those who may be quite frightened of computers and gradually enabling them to become more confident and self-sufficient.
Trainers cover a wide range of computer related subjects, depending on who they teach. Trainers also help people to learn how to use application packages such as SAP. Companies usually require assistance in learning how to implement such complex systems.
Trainers sometimes use self-teaching packages. These are computer programs that guide the trainee through a system, explaining each step along the way. Trainers monitor how the course members are progressing and give them any help they need.
The length of training courses varies depending on the trainees' needs. Some are short, for example, those that cover word processing or database systems, while others last for several months.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Qualities - IT Trainer / Instructor
To be an IT trainer, you need a thorough knowledge of the systems or equipment that you will train people in. Also, you must have an interesting teaching style and an outgoing personality.
You'll need strong communication and interpersonal skills to explain things clearly and concisely to people who may have little knowledge of computers. You should have the confidence and ability to train groups of trainees, as well as the patience to give one-to-one help when someone needs it.
The ability to explain ideas clearly and succinctly is desirable in a teacher especially when dealing with complex information. Good written skills will help you to produce course notes and outlines.
You will need to work closely with people to assess their needs. You must be able to encourage people who are confused or even scared by new technology, using tact and sensitivity.
Good organisational skills will help you to plan training sessions and prepare course materials.
A willingness to learn and develop your knowledge is also important as the technology and computer industry is constantly changing and improving.
Interests - IT Trainer / Instructor
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - IT Trainer / Instructor
Most entrants are graduates who have gained several years experience in other computing jobs, for example, systems analysis or programming, and then gone into training.
Teaching experience linked to computer knowledge is another possible entry route, as is secretarial or administrative work that has included experience of computer applications. Many computer training schools offer the Teachers Diploma in Computer Training which is an intensive year long course in computer training. This Qualification enhances the career opportunities of those who wish to work in IT teaching or training.
Tutors/Teachers/ facilitators to gain employment will require registration with the [TCI] teachers council of Ireland, under the relevant qualification stream 1-4.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business administration, management, facilitation, train the trainer.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, teaching.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Occupational ICT, Cybersecurity, Networking, Software Development.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: education, training, teaching, facilitation.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: education, facilitation, teaching.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - IT Trainer / Instructor
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €24k - €53k
Salaries vary greatly depending on sector worked on, especially between those who teach introductory computer courses and those who work for corporations training staff and customers in advanced IT services, who would generally be on the higher end of the salary range.
Salaries vary based on employer (state or private) , location, experience, role, duties, and hourly sessional or contract retained rates.
Data Source(s):
ETBI Salaries/ Indeed/ Payscale / TUI
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - IT Trainer / Instructor
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Vocational; industrial trainers and instructors; Careers advisers; vocational guidance specialists; Driving instructors.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was below average over the five-year period, with little growth since 2020. It should be noted that career guidance professionals working in the second level system are most likely captured in the secondary teaching occupations. Employment permits issued in 2022 were all intra-company transfers and related to roles outside of the education sector.
Useful Contacts - IT Trainer / Instructor
-
The Teaching Council
- Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth Co. Kildare
- (01) 651 7900
- [email protected]
- Click Here
-
Technology Ireland
-
ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland
-
Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)
- Piper's Hill, Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland
- +353 (0)45-901070
- [email protected]
- Click Here
