Instructors are educators who help individuals to attain skills in a variety of fields. They are often good communicators, and must continuously update their knowledge and skills in order to maintain professional credibility. Many types of instructors are required to hold certification or licenses in order to operate professionally. Instructors can run their own businesses or be employed, and they are mainly found in a few professions. Teachers at the elementary and secondary level are also instructors and make up a large segment of this profession. They must be certified by their state to be eligible to teach in a public school.

Post-secondary Instructors

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Entry-level teachers at colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions are often called instructors. They assist in developing lesson plans, teach students, grade assignments and perform some administrative duties for professors. Some instructors working at post-secondary institutions will do research in the subject they teach during which they keep up with advancements and developments in their subject. and follow up on newest research or laboratory results. Instructors at post-secondary schools may be required to have a Ph.D. or similar degree, depending on the educational institution that employs them and the subject they teach and research.

Driving and Flying Instructors

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Public transport, government offices, freight companies and the military employ instructors to teach new employees driving skills. Also. commercial driving schools need instructors to give private individuals, mainly teenagers, driving experience. Driving instructors usually are not required to have more skills than a clean driving license, some years of driving experience and a license issued by their state government.

Flying instructors are employed by airlines, charter companies and the military to teach beginners and less capable pilots to fly, either through simulators or in aircrafts. The instructors are required to pass a variety of test issued by the Federal Aviation Agency and by local certifying organizations, and hold commercial pilot certificates. Additional requirements are set by military employers.

Sports Instructors

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Fitness studios, hospitality firms, summer camp organizers and health farms are among the companies that employ sports or fitness instructors. Their job descriptions usually include training clients by devising individual exercises plans, arranging group sports activities and giving advice on lifestyle and dietary issues. Some sports instructors may not be required to have a degree, but most employers will ask for some form of proof of training or certification, which can be achieved through courses at specialized schools and certifying organizations. Many sports instructors hold degrees in physical education or a related field.

Human Resources Instructors

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Large companies, government offices and educational institutions employ instructors in their human resources department. These instructors will administer their employers' training programs and help to develop skills in the workforce. They will assist in the implementation of new systems and software, instruct new employees on their responsibilities and train management on new laws or health and safety issues. Some companies, including software developers and industrial manufacturers, will employ instructors to teach customers the workings of their products. Also, government offices have instructors among their staff who will train companies and individuals about changes in legislation, tax structures and health and safety issues. Instructors within human resources have varied backgrounds, which usually include college degrees and work experience within their field.