If you’re passionate about helping others learn, enjoy working in a professional environment, and have a knack for communication, then a career in corporate training might be the perfect fit. Corporate trainers play a vital role in organisations by designing and delivering training programmes that boost employee skills, improve productivity, and align teams with business goals.
But how do you land a corporate training job—especially if you’re just starting out or looking to transition from another role?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a corporate training job entails, the skills and qualifications you’ll need, and how you can strategically position yourself to get hired in this rewarding field.
What Does a Corporate Trainer Do?
A corporate trainer (sometimes called a Learning & Development specialist or L&D trainer) is responsible for creating and delivering workplace training programmes. These may cover areas like:
- Onboarding and induction
- Technical skills training
- Leadership and management development
- Communication and teamwork
- Compliance and regulatory topics
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Trainers may work in-house for a single company or offer training as external consultants or freelancers.
Step 1: Understand the Skills Required
You don’t necessarily need years of teaching experience to become a corporate trainer, but you do need a strong set of transferable skills. These include:
✅ Communication
Clear speaking, active listening, and the ability to explain complex topics simply.
✅ Presentation & Facilitation
Confidence with public speaking, delivering workshops, and engaging groups.
✅ Instructional Design
Understanding how adults learn and how to structure training for different learning styles.
✅ Organisational Skills
Managing schedules, materials, and feedback for multiple training programmes.
✅ Emotional Intelligence
Reading the room, adapting to personalities, and handling sensitive topics.
Bonus: Knowledge of tools like PowerPoint, Zoom, LMS platforms, and eLearning authoring software (e.g., Articulate, Canva, or Prezi) gives you an edge.
Enrol for Our ‘Office Management Online Course’!
Step 2: Get Relevant Qualifications
While formal qualifications aren’t always required, they can definitely boost your credibility and open more doors.
Common Qualifications:
- CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 in Learning & Development (widely recognised in the UK)
- Training Delivery certifications (e.g., TAP Learning, Train the Trainer)
- Coaching or facilitation certifications
- Degrees in HR, education, psychology, or business can be relevant too
Online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and FutureLearn also offer courses in instructional design and corporate training.
Step 3: Build Experience (Even If You’re New)
You don’t need to wait for your first official trainer role to start gaining experience. Start where you are.
Ways to Build Experience:
- Offer to train new hires or junior team members in your current job
- Host internal workshops or lunch-and-learns
- Volunteer to create onboarding materials or guides
- Join or support your company’s L&D or HR team part-time
- Run webinars or create online training content
Keep a record of the sessions you’ve delivered—this becomes your portfolio when applying for roles.
Step 4: Tailor Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
When applying for corporate training jobs, your CV should highlight both training experience and soft skills.
What to Include:
- Examples of presentations, coaching, or training delivery
- Any experience in mentoring or leadership
- Use verbs like “delivered,” “designed,” “facilitated,” and “evaluated”
- Include relevant tools (Zoom, LMS, Canva, etc.)
Make sure your LinkedIn profile also shows your passion for L&D. Share articles, post about training topics, or join LinkedIn learning communities.
Step 5: Start with Entry-Level or Transitional Roles
If you’re brand new to corporate training, start by looking for transitional roles that will get your foot in the door.
Entry Points:
- Learning & Development Coordinator/Assistant
- HR Assistant with L&D responsibilities
- Training Administrator
- Customer service or sales roles where internal training is required
- Teaching roles transitioning into adult or workplace learning
Many companies promote internally from L&D assistant roles to full training specialist or manager positions.
Step 6: Build a Personal Brand Around Training
Want to stand out? Start positioning yourself as a training expert.
Ideas:
- Write short blog posts or LinkedIn articles on training tips or learning trends
- Share book reviews or insights from courses you’ve completed
- Create short explainer videos or slides on workplace learning topics
- Join L&D communities (like CIPD forums, Slack groups, or Meetup)
Thought leadership, even in small ways, shows initiative and passion.
Step 7: Apply Strategically
Once you’ve built up experience, qualifications, and a professional profile, it’s time to apply.
Where to Look:
- Job boards: Indeed, TotalJobs, Reed, LinkedIn
- L&D specialist sites: TrainingZone, CIPD Careers
- Company HR pages: Look for internal L&D or HR opportunities
- Recruitment agencies specialising in education or corporate roles
Customise each application to match the job description. Highlight transferable experience, even if it’s informal.
Step 8: Prepare for the Interview
Interviews for corporate training jobs may involve:
- Scenario-based questions (“How would you train a group of disengaged employees?”)
- A short presentation or demo of your training skills
- Questions about instructional design and learning outcomes
Show that you’re both a strong communicator and a strategic thinker who aligns training with business goals.
Enrol for Our ‘Office Management Online Course’!
Final Thoughts
Getting a corporate training job is achievable—even if you don’t come from a traditional education background. The key is to focus on building real experience, sharpening communication and facilitation skills, and showcasing your enthusiasm for helping others grow.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the skills: communication, facilitation, instructional design
- Gain experience through informal training or mentoring
- Get certified to boost your credibility
- Start with L&D support roles and work your way up
- Build a brand that reflects your passion for training and learning
Corporate training isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to empower others and shape the future of workplaces. If that excites you, start building your path today.