Learning and Development Manager

Also known as - Training manager.

Learning and development managers handle the training and professional development of company employees. They make the most out of people’s talents and help them develop to their full potential. They also keep a strong focus not just on what the learner wants and needs, but also on the needs of the organisation.

Education-Training
Supervisory-Managerial
Further qualifications
Excellent communicator

What does a learning and development manager do?

As a learning and development manager, you will be responsible for identifying training and development needs within an organisation. You will work closely with business managers and human resources (HR) departments to design and implement training and development programmes.

As a learning and development manager you could be:

Managing budgets
Developing effective induction programmes
Conducting appraisals
Devising employee learning plans
Producing training materials
Monitoring and reviewing the progress of trainees
Evaluating training and development of new staff
Helping line managers and trainers solve specific training problems
Keeping up-to-date with developments in training
Having an understanding of different learning techniques
Looking for ways to grow and retain talent.

How to become a learning and development manager

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a learning and development manager, there are several routes you could take to help you pursue this career. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You could complete an undergraduate degree in business-related subjects such as business development, business management, economics or human resources, to develop your knowledge and become qualified for a career as a learning and development manager.

College/training provider

You could study for a Level 3 Introductory Award in Education and Training or Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training to help you become a learning and development manager.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship as a learning development practitioner to help you become a learning and development manager

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you’re considering a job as a learning and development manager, you could apply to begin your career as an assistant or trainee within the human resources department of a construction company. As you become more experienced, your employer might offer training to help you progress in the role.

If you already have proven experience in learning and development, you may be able to apply to an employer directly.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a learning and development manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a learning and development manager include:

Experience in project management and budgeting
Familiarity with e-learning platforms and practices
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Ability to build rapport with employees and external suppliers.

Qualifications

England

To become a learning and development manager, you could complete a:

Level 3 Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).
CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
Level 3 Diploma in Learning and Development.
Level 4 Certificate in Workforce Performance Development.
Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development.
Higher Apprenticeship in Learning and Development Consultancy or Senior People Professional Degree Apprenticeship.

Scotland

To become a learning and development manager, you could complete a:

Level 3 Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).
CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
Level 6 Diploma in Learning and Development.
Level 7 Certificate in Workforce Performance Development.
Level 8 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development.
Higher Apprenticeship in Learning and Development Consultancy or Senior People Professional Degree Apprenticeship.

Wales

To become a learning and development manager, you could complete a:

Level 3 Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).
CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
Level 3 Diploma in Learning and Development.
Level 4 Certificate in Workforce Performance Development.
Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development.
Higher Apprenticeship in Learning and Development Consultancy or Senior People Professional Degree Apprenticeship.

How much could you earn as a learning and development manager?

The expected salary for a learning and development manager varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained learning and development managers can start at £25,000

• Trained with experience learning and development managers can earn up to £60,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

Those with a qualification recognised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) will have a better chance of progressing in their career as a learning and development manager.

As your experience and skills grow, you could move into a senior management role as a learning and development director and monitor all the training and development taking place on building projects.