A technical trainer is an

educator A teacher, also called a schoolteacher or formally an educator, is a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue, via the practice of teaching. ''Informally'' the role of teacher may be taken on by anyone (e.g. whe ...

teacher A teacher, also called a schoolteacher or formally an educator, is a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence, or virtue, via the practice of teaching. ''Informally'' the role of teacher may be taken on by anyone (e.g. whe ...

who trains or coaches others in some field of

technology Technology is the application of knowledge to reach practical goals in a specifiable and reproducible way. The word ''technology'' may also mean the product of such an endeavor. The use of technology is widely prevalent in medicine, science, ...

. The task requires a certain set of competencies, but many technical trainers do not hold specific technical-training qualifications. Although there are professional organizations and publications of relevance to technical trainers, few of these are specifically focused on that profession.

Types of technical trainers

Although a generic professional description can be applied to all technical trainers, as is true of any profession, many specializations exist. These include

information technology Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and exchange all kinds of data . and information. IT forms part of information and communications technology (ICT). An information technology system (I ...

topics such as

Computer applications A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These progra ...

and Computer Architecture and Design;

biomedical technology Biomedical technology is the application of engineering and technology principles to the domain of living or biological systems, with an emphasis on human health and diseases. Biomedical engineering and Biotechnology alike are often loosely called ...

;

educational technology Educational technology (commonly abbreviated as edutech, or edtech) is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational theory and practice to facilitate learning. When referred to with its abbreviation, edtech, it often refer ...

;

Aerospace technology Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Avionics engineering is si ...

; and topics in the field of

engineering Engineering is the use of scientific method, scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad rang ...

History

The need for technical training existed before computers or even electronics, but the term "technical trainer" has only been in the common lexicon since the mid-20th century. For example,

RAF Technical Training Command Technical Training Command was an organization within the Royal Air Force which controlled units responsible for delivering aircraft maintenance training and other non-flying training, initially in Berkshire and then in Cambridgeshire. History T ...

was a distinct unit between 1940 and 1968, providing training in aircraft maintenance and other non-flying activities to British forces.Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - RAF Home Commands formed between 1939 - 1957

Competencies

It is often pointed out that effective technical trainers need qualities over and above technical mastery. They need to have skills in working with people, and knowledge of a range of training techniques. The former National Skill Standards Board in the United States developed a set of skill standards for technical trainers.

Certification

Currently, competence frameworks for technical trainers are not well developed. Among those technical trainers who have university degrees, the most frequent degree is in education; but many technical trainers are not formally qualified in the field. Several organizations do provide certification for teachers and other educators in technology. For example, the American trade association

CompTIA The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is an American non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology (IT) industry. It is considered one of the IT industry's top trade associ ...

provides the CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) qualification, which is internationally recognized for trainers in the

field."CompTIA and Technical Communities Partner for Government Access to Certifications."
Health & Beauty Close-Up. Close-Up Media, Inc. 2009. Retrieved December 05, 2015 from HighBeam Research.

Professional organizations

The Association for Talent Development, formerly American Society for Training and Development, is a non-profit association for workplace learning and performance professionals. It organizes two regular international conferences relevant to technical trainers: its national convention, and the Techknowledge Conference on

e-learning Educational technology (commonly abbreviated as edutech, or edtech) is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and Education sciences, educational theory and practice to facilitate learning. When referred to with its abbreviation, edt ...

. Up to the mid-1990s it published a magazine and hosted a conference specifically for technical trainers.Professional Organizations for Trainers
Mr PBET blog, Richard Goutal. The

International Society for Performance Improvement The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) is a non-profit association for performance improvement professionals dedicated to improving individual, organizational, and societal functioning, productivity, and accomplishment in th ...

(ISPI) organizes an annual conference and other educational events, publishes books and periodicals, and supports research in performance improvement in the workplace.

Types of technical trainers

History

Competencies

Certification

Professional organizations

See also

References

Further reading