Contract IT trainers - any out there?

[DieScum]

Interesting thread.

One thing I sometimes think about in the future would fit in well with the sporadic nature of contract training work. I've done loads of training, helped develop a train the trainer class, blah, blah.

One thing I'd like to do is when I retire from full time work live abroad but make myself available for the odd bit of training. So do a week every month or so.

Anyone ever done anything like that?

[GillsMan]

I started as a trainer but fairly quickly branched into e-learning development and then PM'ing LMS releases and the suchlike. Rates can be pretty good. I'm on an OK rate at the moment, but I've seen jobs that I could do going for £400-600 in the city.

If you want to be a pure trainer then the advice above is all correct. Sporadic work (which may be ideal) and rates are far from brilliant. It's good fun though and as long as you know your stuff you'll be fine. There is a science to teaching and, getting a recognised qualification will help massively. I'm a Microsoft Certified Trainer which actually means very little, but it looks good on a CV.

[northernladuk]

As indicated by Cojak knowing what you are delivering is only half the battle, in fact probably less. Just because you know a technology does not mean you can train it. What many people forget is that delivering the training is the key skill and the difference between a good course and a bad one.

A similar example is knowing excel, MS Project, powerpoint does not mean you can be a good PM. You have to know how to be a PM and then use the tools.

You may be lucky to get something being a subject matter expert and nothing else but you certainly couldn't run it as a career as that.

And remember the old addage... Those that can't... Teach...

[cojak]

Hi JMT,

Training may be ideal for you as you won't get the same days training that you get 'doing'. I left training as I found that I was only working half the year when I counted up the days. I was lucky to get 15 training days in a month. Quite often the courses were only 3 days long and it was virtually impossible to earn anything in the other 2 days of the week.

You really need to go on a Train the Trainer course as much as the technical content. Take a look at BCS / IITT Institute Certified Training Professional | Professionals | Qualifications, Training, Careers | BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
And the IITT How to join us will give you some ideas.

Also remember that Trainer's rates are generally not as good as the people they train, another reason why I stopped training and started doing.

I can't spend too long on this post but take a look at the links and see what you think.

[JMT2606]

Hi all,

I've been a contract tester/QC Admin for several years but would like to move into training. I'll be out of work soon having a baby so it would be an ideal time to learn a new technology and do some courses. I'm hoping that training is something that I could do on more of a part-time, freelance basis rather than testing where I have to be on site full-time.

Just wondering what IT training is in the highest demand or if anyone's got any tips regarding getting into training in general.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks!