Every time you turn on your computer it seems there's a new version of
a software program ready to be installed. And brand new software programs
are being created all the time. If people don't know how to use the new software,
it's useless to them.
That's why software trainers are so essential. These trainers teach people
how to use computers and computer software.
Trainers work with all kinds of students. For example, they may teach some
people the very basics -- starting with how to switch on the computer. With
more advanced users, they may teach the intricacies of a programming language.
Accounting and business management software is widely used. So is word
processing and other office software. Trainers spend a lot of time coaching
people to use these types of software applications.
Software trainers may work at business schools or community colleges. Software
trainer James Martin works at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South
Carolina.
"I train faculty and staff on how to use the software that we have here
for various purposes," says Martin. "There are several apps that are my responsibility,
and that includes Excel and Access for Microsoft Office."
Software trainers may also work for companies that specialize in computer
training. Their students may come to them in a classroom. Or, they may go
out and teach at a client's workplace. Trainers may meet with groups of people
or teach one-on-one.
What kind of person makes a good software trainer?
"Besides writing skills and communication skills, the ability to work independently,"
says Martin. "Often you're just going to be assigned some new software to...
figure out how we can best present it to end users who are not primarily technical
people, who've got other things to do besides study up on technology.
"So, research skills are paramount," he adds. "I'm often researching things,
trying to find out how to do stuff."
Trainers must be flexible enough to meet the needs of individual students.
They also have to enjoy teamwork and leadership.
Software trainer Michael Shumko says it's important to have a passion for
the subject.
"[It] sounds odd when related to software, but you have to want other people
to know about the software," he says.
Shumko says these attributes are also important for software trainers:
- Creativity in developing different ways to share knowledge
- Flexibility adjusting to situations and to students' different levels
of skill, motivation and learning styles
- Communication skills (speaking, writing and listening)
- Understanding body language, being able to determine whether a person
is 'getting it'
- Ability to adjust delivery of material to the learning style of the individual
(visual, aural, verbal, physical, etc.)
Trainers can work part time, full time or as freelancers. Freelance workers
can take on long-term or short-term contracts.
Hours vary in this field. A full-time employee at a business college may
work regular office hours. Others who work for training companies may need
to work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their students. Freelancers
also have to work flexible hours.