Admittedly I have only heard this a few times in my 14 years of being a trainer and although this is a fallacy penned by George Bernard Shaw, some people do believe it.
My response is generally that “Those That Can Do, Need Teaching!”
Throughout my time as a trainer I, like many others, have been in loads of different classes and classrooms around the world and had the pleasure of working both with and for hundreds of great people both delegates and working colleagues from all walks of life. Experience of working with people, dealing with problems and coping in quite often, challenging circumstances is what makes it interesting.
Firebrand Training is a great company to work for – as it’s big enough to be a ‘big hitter’ in the world but small enough to still be a ‘family’. Senior management know you, line managers know you and the support and operations staff know you. And by and large we get on well and work fantastically well together. It’s a place where friendships are formed at every level. It’s a place where respect for each other is paramount.
As a trainer (either in-house or contractor) – it takes you to another level.
We are currently recruiting for new trainers across a wide range of disciplines and I would highly recommend considering applying to come and join us.
However, if you think that being a trainer is about turning up in a class, reading a bunch of notes and slides and keeping to the script. Don’t bother.
This week I have been delivering a set of Microsoft courses (Two courses in six 12-hour days) with examinations and review/study time to manage. Not that difficult on the face of it as we have official courseware, a timetable and great support.
However, this week has been delivered using our Online Instructor Led (OIL) platform and a hybrid solution with delegates at our home base in Wyboston, across 3 international time zones and 6 separate countries.
And all of this from home using online support and administration.
Each delegate had individual needs and requirements. Each delegate had a different set of experiences and knowledge base. Each delegate was unique.
Every delegate needed quality training and experience from their instructor. I was honoured that it was me. They were all fantastic delegates and fantastic people.
Every course you deliver is different and to be able to do the best job you can – you also need to bring:
- Management Skills
- Customer Relations Skills
- Administration Skills
- Listening Skills
- Life Experience
- Humour
- Patience
- Understanding
- Humility
And
- Depth of knowledge beyond the official courseware
- Experience in the subjects and technologies you are delivering
- The ability to assess the level and adjust to meet the needs of the group and individual
- To expect to work beyond the classroom to support your delegates
Notice that my top list of skills is bigger than the technical/trainer skills.
Being a trainer is not just about learning new technologies and getting the required badges and certs.
You are constantly learning new things about people and yourself. Adapting and adopting new techniques for the individuals you meet but most importantly – caring.
If you are looking for an easy 9-5 job where you click next, next, next on PowerPoint Slides – other Training providers are available. If you like to turn up, take the pay cheque and don’t really care about who or what you do – other Training providers are available.
If you care – Firebrand might be a good option.
