Training specialists provide training to new employees on the systems, policies and procedures of the organization or retrains existing employees on new information or procedures to ensure they remain successful. Training specialists are typically found in larger organizations where a classroom-size group of new employees are hired on a consistent basis. For example, a call center will most likely have a training specialist.

Responsibilities

Training specialists are responsible for creating course content, designing presentations and creating job manuals, job aids and other materials to ensure the trainees effectively learn the material. They are also responsible for coaching and development and following up with employees during their probationary period. They may handle payroll, accounting and any special needs trainees may have in class. Finally, they must communicate with the supervisors and other managers within the company about specific employees, new methods and ideas to facilitate successful future trainings and employees.

Skills

Training specialists must be effective communicators, be patient and have the ability to convey a message to a classroom in such a way that everyone understands the material. They must be highly organized, have superior writing skills and be versatile and flexible based on the schedules and special needs of the trainees. They must have leadership qualities to handle those in class who misbehave or need to be terminated. They must be consistent because each training class must follow the exact same procedures in their duties when they are complete with their training. Finally, they must be perceptive in knowing which training methods are working and which ones are not based on the results of the trainees as they are tested or when they complete training.

Environment

Training specialists usually work in a cubicle or small office setting where they spend little amounts of time. Training specialist may train a new class immediately following the completion of a previous class. Training specialists also spend time working with new employees during the transition from the training class to their workspace. They may be responsible for doing payroll to ensure the trainees are paid on payday. Training specialists usually work a full-time schedule and work with the human resources department to determine which hours are acceptable for the training sessions.

Salary

Training specialists' salaries vary based on the industry and the location; however, their median salary is $53,271 per year. The lowest 25 percent of training specialist salaries are approximately $45,700 per year.

Education

Training specialist usually have bachelor's degrees in an English-related field, communications, business management or education. They may also opt for a master's degrees in communications-related fields or in education.