Learning Development careers What you need to know

Learning Development careers What you need to know by Amber Rolfe Want to work in LD? We’ve got this… Whether you’re looking to develop your career in Learning Development or you want to start afresh, there are a number of great opportunities on offer. Not sure what it’s all about? We spoke to the experts at  AVADO, one of the UK’s largest providers of professional qualifications, to find out.Here’s everything you need to know about a career in Learning Development (along with a few tips on how to get started):  What is LD?Learning and development (LD) is a field of work that focuses on providing and managing job-related training to employees and individuals.Those working in this field will usually be responsible for developing a workforce’s capabilities and practical skills â€" with roles including everything from the design and management of learning programmes, to the practical delivery of training.If you’re a great communicator who is interested in a career helping individuals develop their skills at wor k, LD could be the perfect fit for you.  What industry could I work in?   Whilst LD professionals are most common within the HR and sales industries, roles can be found almost anywhere. After all, a knowledgeable workforce is the key to the smooth running of every organisation.Most commonly, they work at:Commercial firmsEducational institutionsHealth serviceLaw and financial firmsRetail companiesCentral and local governmentTraining consultanciesManufacturing organisationsTechnology training providersWhat LD jobs are available? This field offers a wide range of opportunities, both at junior and senior level â€" meaning it’s a great career path to pursue for people at all stages in their career.Here are just a few of the most common LD roles:LD AdvisorLD ManagerHead of LDTraining Project AdministratorSales TrainerApprenticeship CoordinatorTalent Acquisition Consultant  What are LD employers looking for? SkillsHere are a few of the key skills LD employers look for:Interpersonal skill sMotivational skillsProblem solving skillsAn ability to advise and inform others clearlyInitiative and creativityExcellent time managementOrganisational skills  ExperienceThe level of experience you’ll need will depend on the specific role you’re applying for â€" but anything that demonstrates your leadership and motivational skills is likely to boost your application.Previous experience in related fields (e.g. admin and HR) is also valuable to employers.If you’re lacking in practical work experience, don’t panic. Taking part in voluntary work, summer placements, or (if you’re still studying) joining university clubs, teams, or societies is a great way to develop your skills in team work and organisation, which are also vital in LD roles.  QualificationsYou don’t necessarily need a degree to start a career in LD, as professional qualifications and experience are more highly sought after by employers.CIPD courses are particularly beneficial, as they’re internationally r ecognised and allow you to prove your professional credibility; through the learning of core principles, skills, and collaborative techniques.And, if you’re new to LD and want to study flexibly whilst boosting your earning potential; there’s no better choice than the CIPD courses with AVADO.  Why study with AVADO?AVADO are the largest training provider for professional qualifications in the UK with an active community of over 20,000 students studying to secure their next promotion, a higher salary or to take their career in a new direction.They are CIPD Enterprises’ only official online learning partner for qualifications in LD and HR, enabling you to gain access to exclusive CIPD experts and content you won’t find anywhere else.Not only do they offer over 26 years’ worth of experience in online learning, they also have a 96% pass rate* on their CIPD courses.Other benefits of studying with AVADO include:Interactive classes, where you can learn online with other studentsExp ert tutors handpicked to support youAn online learning platform built around youBite-sized content designed to work on mobileAward winning provider you can trustFind out moreWant to learn more about how a qualification could help your career?  Enquire now.*LD pass rates up to 96% based on submitted assignments from students studying our CIPD Level 5 Intermediate Certificate and Diploma in Learning Development, May to October 2016 cohorts.AVADO is the largest online provider of professional qualifications in the UK, with courses available in HR, Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Business and more.