Exploring a career as a vocational trainer

I'm considering working as a vocational trainer in skill development. What does the job typically involve, and what qualifications do I need? Would love insights from anyone with experience in this field.

A vocational trainer, sometimes referred to as a vocational educator or career and technical education (CTE) teacher, often operates within the sphere of secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, adult education programs, and community colleges. They are tasked with teaching students in various vocational and technical fields such as plumbing, cosmetology, automotive maintenance, carpentry, computer technology, and more.

The role of a vocational trainer typically involves planning and delivering lessons pertaining to their area of expertise, assessing students' skills through tests and hands-on evaluations, updating curriculum as industry standards and technologies change, demonstrating procedures, and ensuring students follow safety guidelines while practicing skills.

As for qualifications, vocational trainers typically need a bachelor's degree in the field they're teaching. However, this can differ depending on the state or institute you would like to work in. For dealing with high school students, many states require vocational teachers to earn a state-issued teacher license, which might require you to complete a teacher preparation program and a student-teaching experience.

In terms of additional skills, vocational teachers need strong speaking and listening skills, as well as a talent for breaking down complex concepts into easier to understand steps. They also need patience to provide additional guidance to students who may struggle to grasp these concepts.

Aside from educational qualifications, professionals in this field must be experienced in the industry they are to teach. Therefore, having a few years of hands-on experience in your named profession is highly regarded and sometimes mandatory. Continuing education is also crucial in this role, as staying current with new industry developments and technologies is an essential part of maintaining a relevant and useful curriculum for your students.

Finally, you should keep in mind that you're not just teaching a vocation, you're teaching a range of employability skills, from time-management and problem-solving to communication and teamwork. So strong interpersonal skills, along with a natural knack for teaching, will be great assets in this line of work.