Learning & development specialist

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About the function of Learning & development specialist

What does the Learning & development specialist do?

The primary job responsibility of the Learning & development specialist is to design effective curriculums and training programs that improve both individual and organizational performance. Whether delivered in classroom or online, Learning & development specialists are responsible for delivering a learning experience that is customized to the audience skill level and characteristics.

Their responsibilities do not stop once trainings are delivered: Learning specialists duties include post-learning monitoring and evaluation, making sure ensure employees are given relevant development plans and assignments to practice their skills. Learning specialists are strong enablers of knowledge sharing across the organization. Their work allow employees to connect informally with mentors and colleagues to create a culture of learning.  Learning specialists typically report to Learning and development managers. Companies of smaller size usually include l&d duties to HR generalist executive roles, or directly to HR Managers. 

What does the future hold for Learning & development specialists?

Learning & Development specialists are the architects of the organization’s learning experience. Their development will be largely focused on how to deliver quality training programs, using innovative techniques and technologies to enhance learners engagement and ability to learn. More and more companies will get out of the outdated “training catalog” approach, to rather focus on customised learning experiences. In doing so, top decision makers shall become more demanding over Return Of Investment (ROI) coming from training programs provided.

To thrive in their roles, specialists must understand their business environment and liaise with business line managers to recommend and design relevant learning pathways. They shall typically lead learning & development projects from A to Z, from training need collection until post learning evaluation, making sure learners are given the right assignments to practice their skills.  This involves identifying the right learning “blend”, by proposing stretch assignments, social learning and formal learning activities.

Learning professionals shall be creative and look at new ways of conveying a learning culture, by promoting classes using story telling techniques or by organising knowledge sharing opportunities across the workplace (using forums, informal knowledge sharing sessions etc). To do so, professional Learning specialists shall level up their game and become skilful writers.

Employers are already spending more in more in learning and development, not only for the direct benefits of employee retention, but also to consolidate and increase market positioning. Therefore, Learning & development specialists shall be prepared to take the spotlight with the responsibility to prepare employees for their future skills requirements.

Competencies of the Learning & development specialist

How to read the competency table and chart?
The percentage score (%) represents the expertise level required for this position, click on score for more details. Future skills, which are important to your organization's competitivity in the long run, are highlighted with a .

Competencies of the Learning & development specialist

In the same department

Talent Manager

HRBP

Recruitment consultant (Agency)

Chief Human Resources Officer

Talent acquisition specialist

HR Analyst

Learning & Development Manager

Talent Acquisition Manager

HR Manager

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Career Development

development plan for learning & development manager includes learning plan management

Learning & Development Manager

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Development plan for Learning & development specialist

Remember that all Learning & Development (L&D) activities and trainings should be balanced to achieve maximum results. For all Active Learning you perform, remember to balance with Social Learning and several Stretch assignments for the Learning & development specialist to put in practice newly learned skills.

Competency
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 đź“–  Business partnering  Active Learning. An activity where you are deeply engaged in absorbing new knowledge. Like a classroom training, reading a manual or following an E-Learning class. Active Learning E-Learning curriculum Introduction to business partnering (40 hours, 4 courses / 17 modules) >> Learn more
 đź“–  Business partnering  Stretch assignment. An activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone to learn new skills in practice. Stretch assignments Individual assignment Propose 3 concrete stretch assignments participants can implement after learning program >> Get started
 đź“–  Business partnering  Social Learning. An activity where you learn from others. Like mentoring or coaching. Social Learning Shadowing Shadow manager during 10 manager committee meetings >> Get started
 đź“–  Copywriting  Active Learning. An activity where you are deeply engaged in absorbing new knowledge. Like a classroom training, reading a manual or following an E-Learning class. Active Learning E-learning course Copywriting course (focus on SEO, 4 hours, incl. certification) >> Learn more
 đź“–  Copywriting  Stretch assignment. An activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone to learn new skills in practice. Stretch assignments Individual assignment Apply 5 secrets to writing non-sucky copy when promoting learning courses >> Get started
 đź“–  Copywriting  Social Learning. An activity where you learn from others. Like mentoring or coaching. Social Learning Mentoring from expert Review e-learning storyboard with communication manager and use feedback to improve
 đź“–  Learning & Development  Active Learning. An activity where you are deeply engaged in absorbing new knowledge. Like a classroom training, reading a manual or following an E-Learning class. Active Learning E-learning curriculum Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling (17 hours, incl. certification) >> Learn more
 đź“–  Learning & Development  Stretch assignment. An activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone to learn new skills in practice. Stretch assignments Individual assignment Design 70/20/10 development plans for 5 employees and measure post activity performance >> Get started
 đź“–  Learning & Development  Active Learning. An activity where you are deeply engaged in absorbing new knowledge. Like a classroom training, reading a manual or following an E-Learning class. Active Learning Ebook/Podcast listening How to create a 70/20/10 professional development plan >> Learn more
 đź“–  Managing Information & Knowledge  Active Learning. An activity where you are deeply engaged in absorbing new knowledge. Like a classroom training, reading a manual or following an E-Learning class. Active Learning Book/article reading Why You Need a Knowledge Sharing Culture in E-Learning >> Learn more
 đź“–  Managing Information & Knowledge  Social Learning. An activity where you learn from others. Like mentoring or coaching. Social Learning Group project (inter-department) Identify your company mentors and experts with each division heads
 đź“–  Managing Information & Knowledge  Stretch assignment. An activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone to learn new skills in practice. Stretch assignments Individual assignment Implement Return On Experience (ROX)sessions for last 5 corporate training programs
 đź“–  Managing Information & Knowledge  Social Learning. An activity where you learn from others. Like mentoring or coaching. Social Learning Feedback from peer Reserve one hour per week to share and collect knowledge with your peers
 đź“–  Managing Information & Knowledge  Stretch assignment. An activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone to learn new skills in practice. Stretch assignments Individual assignment Roll out one project to improve the learning culture at your organization >> Get started
 đź“–  Project management  Stretch assignment. An activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone to learn new skills in practice. Stretch assignments Individual assignment Make yearly training project plan including project stakeholders and publishing timelines
 đź“–  Project management  Social Learning. An activity where you learn from others. Like mentoring or coaching. Social Learning Mentoring from expert Collect 10 project management best practices during monthly mentoring session with project manager
 đź“–  Project management  Active Learning. An activity where you are deeply engaged in absorbing new knowledge. Like a classroom training, reading a manual or following an E-Learning class. Active Learning Book/article reading How to Write a Terms of Reference (TOR) >> Learn more

Request a personalized development plan for your company

We know all companies are different. Blended learning plans can differ greatly based on industry, business model, location and employees profiles. To craft a more customized development plan for the position of Learning & development specialist at your company with our experts, please schedule a 30-mn online conversation with our L&D experts.