Many UK graduates train early in their career. Larger companies and government agencies provide job training and career development sessions to help their new employees prepare for work. Graduates in fields such as retail management and telecommunications learn a wealth of knowledge from experienced corporate trainers. However, many graduates and university students in the UK overlook the prospect of working as a corporate trainer. These trainers generally begin their careers immediately after their postsecondary education experience ends. Graduates discovering that they want to train the future of the UK workforce should consider what their ideal graduate training job will be.
One of the factors that a graduate trainer should consider before entering the job market is whether a specific position allows for some creativity. Corporate trainers are often given a set script of ideas and exercises to be done in training sessions. However, many corporations are beginning to allow their trainers to insert a bit of themselves into their sessions. For example, an experienced trainer may be allowed to insert different exercises or use simulations to illustrate sales trainees. Graduates interested in training jobs should determine if a potential employer allows some flexibility in training or requires rote learning for their trainees.
Another ideal situation in graduate training jobs is when there are many professional development opportunities for trainers. In essence, graduate trainers must look at their own training possibilities when taking a position. Many professionals take it for granted that through experience and repetition, they will automatically become excellent at their job. However, even graduate trainers need to learn new skills in a new environment. Young professionals interested in training jobs need to determine if their potential employer is interested in teaching the teacher, so to speak.
Finally, the possibility of promotion in postgraduate training positions is important for young professionals. Many graduates now leaving UK universities assume that any job they take includes the possibility of managerial or executive level positions in the future. However, small companies or companies with a limited corporate structure may not have the leeway to allow trainers to move up. At these companies, trainers receive financial incentives or title increases instead of new responsibilities. Graduates may find these rewards beneficial in the short term, but trainers are always looking for challenges. An ideal graduate training job allows professionals to move up in the corporate world.