The role of a trainer may be focused internally on company personnel, or externally on the customer base. The position itself may be field based or 'classroom' based, formal or 'on the job' coaching. Often, it is a combination of these elements.

Trainers may have existing, corporate modules to deliver and could also be responsible for developing new materials.

The first move into an internal training role is usually achieved within your existing company. Typically, you will be demonstrating high levels of competence in the role in order to be selected for a position that involves building levels of that competence in others.

Many companies offer the first move into training as an add-on to your existing position – for example, becoming Regional Team Coach in addition to Sales Specialist. This can be an opportunity to gain valuable professional development that can lead to onward promotion.

Gaining an Externally focused training role – one that involves training of customers – can be achieved more easily as the appointment is usually based on your existing Technical skills set. In short, the company is buying your technical and/or customer aligned understanding – which cannot always be developed 'in-house'. For example, a Theatre Equipment company may recruit Theatre Nurses with qualifications in Teaching & Assessing in Clinical Practice for a role that involves training customers in a new Theatre product.