Training and development professionals are hired on a contract basis, to present on specific topics.
They usually negotiate contracts with clients that include fees and expenses. Depending on the contract, they may:
- Assess client’s current state and needs using meetings, surveys, interviews, focus groups, questionnaires and existing information
- Help the client identify and specify desired training outcomes
- Consult with clients about the best way to implement new training programs
- Design new training programs or adapt existing ones
- Deliver training presented in a classroom, or through webinars or online discussion groups
- Design communication plans to promote training programs
- Develop related course materials such as handouts and visual aids
- Reserve and set up audiovisual materials and equipment
- Coordinate group exercises and training instruments
- Make copies of materials for participants
- Report on training outcomes using standard evaluation tools
- Calculate (or help clients to calculate) program ROI (return on investment or cost vs benefits)
- Teach short seminars or full term courses for post-secondary schools (usually offered through continuing education)
- Conduct workshops for small businesses
- Make presentations at professional association meetings, conferences, retreats or symposiums
- Present short professional development sessions to staff members
- Provide in-house training for government employees
- Answer audience questions, clarify concepts and mediate if there is participant confusion or disagreement
Training and development professionals use many techniques such as group discussions, role playing, simulations, team exercises, videos and lectures. Their goal is to help participants:
- Develop or adopt new skills and practices
- Foster interest, understanding and acceptance
- Enhance self-esteem and personal development
- Build healthy working relationships
- Improve team work
Training and development professionals must keep up to date in their field by reading current journals, magazines and books.