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Program specialists help develop and train employees. - According to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net), training and development specialists "conduct training and development programs for employees." Their duties involve evaluating training activities in order to improve program effectiveness and offer specific training program ideas in order to help workers' job skills. They recognize training needs through scientific methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and more. They present information with a variety of instructional techniques, such as simulations, role playing, group discussions and more. A program specialist is recognized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as "Training and Development Specialists."
- The projected employment growth for training and development specialists is faster than average through 2016. According to BLS, the top industry that employs the most employee training and development specialists is within the management of companies and enterprises. Other industries with high levels of employment are insurance carriers. state government, local government, and general medical and surgical hospitals.
- Program specialists usually work in clean, pleasant and comfortable offices. They typically work 40-hour work weeks; however they may work beyond this time, especially if they have a deadline to meet for a specific project or presentation.
- Employers are looking for college graduates with backgrounds in human resources, industrial and labor relations or a well-rounded liberal arts education. An interdisciplinary background is helpful in this field, so a combination of business, behavioral science, and social science is useful. An advanced degree, such as a graduate degree in industrial, labor relations or law is becoming more desired by employers. For those interested in becoming a consultant, writer, or instructor a Ph.D. is an asset. Various forms of human resources certification are available, such as the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) which offers professional certification in learning and performance.
- According to a BLS 2008 report, the national mean hourly wage for a training and development specialist is $26.36 and the mean annual salary is $54,830. The national annual salary ranges from $29,470 to $85,160.
