What are the responsibilities of a trainer?

When you think of what a trainer does, it’s likely that the skills needed by a trainer are the first things that spring to mind - training needs analysis (TNA), training programme design, ability to use PowerPoint, communication skills etc.

These are all important for successful training, but it’s also crucial to consider the responsibilities of a trainer. What must a trainer be aware of while training? How should they support their trainees? What is the best way for a trainer to achieve their aims?

Here, we review 4 responsibilities all trainers must be aware of as they plan and carry out training programmes.

4 Responsibilities of Trainers

1. Being Prepared and Organised

This is both a courtesy to your trainees and a support for your own benefit. Considering all aspects of preparation and organisation means that everyone involved will have a smoother training experience. These aspects may include:

- completing a TNA (training needs analysis) to understand the goals of training

- preparation of training materials

- taking time to be fully familiar with your materials

- ensuring you are ready for questions

- knowing who the trainees are and if anyone has special requirements

- arriving early at the venue to avoid rushing

- setting up the training room

2. Creating a Positive Learning Environment

This begins at the planning stage - being aware of training objectives and the needs of your trainees.

Setting up the training room in an accessible manner and creating a welcoming atmosphere as each participant arrives are invaluable tools for creating the right kind of learning environment.

This continues as the training takes place. Setting clear expectations for the training and outlining when comfort breaks and time for questions will take place puts people at ease.

3. Being Inclusive in Every Aspect of Training and Development

As a trainer, you are responsible for handling group dynamics but also for ensuring that all participants are respected in an inclusive learning environment.

You must be mindful of special considerations and any legislation that impacts upon training scenarios. We cover legislative awareness as part of our QQI Training Delivery and Evaluation course.

4. Perfecting Listening and Questioning Skills

In the beginning, it is usual to default to focusing on your training delivery skills: how you communicate, what you’re going to say. This is completely understandable, as it’s a huge part of being a good trainer.

However, to really hone your communication skills, you’ll need to learn how to listen actively and ask the right questions of your trainees to ascertain their understanding and help bridge their gaps in knowledge.

What’s the best way to master these responsibilities?

We believe that the fastest, and most reliable way to gain a command of these responsibilities is through hands-on training.

Classroom-based Train the Trainer courses are excellent for acquiring the knowledge you need and developing a practical understanding of how to implement the learning in a real-life situation.

For example, during our Training Delivery and Evaluation course (sometimes simply called “Train the Trainer”), you will have opportunities to put the responsibilities above into practice.

You’ll even carry out a skills demonstration on the last day of training as part of your assessment. This skills demonstration is a mini-training module. It encompasses a chance to prepare for, deliver, and evaluate your own training skills. You’ll create the materials for the module and utilise questioning and listening skills during this time. 

To summarise, once you’re aware of and practising these key responsibilities alongside your learning and training delivery, you’ll soon perfect them.