Online Corporate Training Degree Programs

As businesses strive to operate in an increasingly global market, many companies are recognizing the value of having knowledgeable and motivated employees who will keep their business competitive. The emerging field of corporate training uses the most modern and innovative adult teaching methods to educate employees and inspire them to do their best work.

Corporate Training Career Paths

While some corporate trainers work as consultants and travel to give seminars at different companies, more and more companies are emphasizing in-house corporate training with new positions such as chief learning officer (CLO) and chief knowledge officer (CKO). Corporate trainers also work in non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Corporate training job titles include:

• Training and development specialist
• Training manager
• Training director
• Chief learning or knowledge officer (clo or cko)
• Technical trainer
• Customer service trainer
• Organizational development consultant

These corporate training professionals work together to create training and development programs that match the business goals of their organization. By supporting the professional development of employees, trainers increase worker retention and productivity. For CLOs and other high-level training directors, the goal is to create a learning culture within the company.

Corporate Training Education

Most corporate trainers have a background in teaching or training, or they have a passion for teaching adults using up-to-date technologies and methods. While the United States does not require certification for corporate training positions, the standard minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree. The most advanced practitioners in this field usually have a graduate degree in corporate training or a related field.

Coursework for corporate training degrees often focuses on public relations skills, the adult education needs of companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies, and strategic operational and planning processes. Course titles include:

• Human Resource Development
• Training Program Management
• Assessment
• Professionalism
• Educational Technology

In addition, corporate trainers take courses in specific job skills such as time management, as well as communication skills such as public speaking and foreign language.

Career Expectations for Corporate Trainers

The market for corporate training jobs continues to grow, as companies keep pace with a rising standard for worker productivity and knowledge. After wildfire growth of nearly 30 percent beginning in 2002, job growth has steadied into a 16-18 percent projected increase from 2006 to 2016. The average salary for trainers and development managers is $90,300, according to mean wage estimates reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2007. Salary.com cites a base salary of $52,109 for mid-level training specialists.

Corporate trainers work at the cutting edge of education, developing programs and strategies aligned with company goals. Online education is an important resource in this effort, as it accommodates diverse schedules and delivers knowledge efficiently. Investing in an online corporate training degree could pay dividends when it comes time to develop and coordinate employee learning initiatives. Corporate trainers are finding revolutionary ways to use educational technology in the workplace, and to boost the productivity of today's knowledge workers.

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