How to Become a Training Designer in the UK
Training designers, often called instructional or learning designers, create courses that help people learn new skills at work. You interview subject experts, set learning objectives, write storyboards and scripts, build e-learning modules in tools such as Articulate Storyline and Rise, design workshop materials for trainers, and test and improve courses based on learner feedback and results.
Most people come from teaching, training, learning and development (L&D) or content roles. A degree is often preferred but not essential, and a portfolio of courses you have designed is what gets you hired.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £37,000
- Mid-career salary
- £42,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £85,000
- Work environment
- Remote, hybrid
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years
- Degree required
- Preferred
- Category
- Education, Science and Research
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, Creative careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Training Designer does
Design self-paced and live training content - storyboards, scripts, e-learning modules and workshops.
How to become a training designer in the UK
There is no single required qualification. Common routes are moving from teaching, corporate training or L&D administration into a learning designer role, or from writing, graphic design or video work into e-learning. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers qualifications in organisational learning and development, and there are learning and development apprenticeships at Level 3 and Level 5. Employers also look for skill with authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline and Rise, an understanding of how adults learn, and accessibility standards for digital content.
- Learn the basics of instructional design, such as writing clear learning objectives, structuring content in small chunks and using models like ADDIE.
- Get hands-on with Articulate Rise and Storyline using a free trial, and build a short interactive module on a topic you know well.
- Write a storyboard and script for a short course, including knowledge checks and realistic scenarios, so you can show your thinking as well as the finished product.
- Learn digital accessibility basics, such as captions, colour contrast, keyboard navigation and alt text, as many employers require accessible e-learning.
- Build a portfolio with three or four samples, such as an e-learning module, a workshop plan and a short video or job aid, and host it online.
- Apply for learning designer, e-learning developer or L&D coordinator roles, or take a CIPD learning and development qualification to strengthen your applications.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher or trainer moving into learning design | 6-18 months | Mostly self-study, tool licences vary | People who already teach or train |
| Learning and development apprenticeship | About 1-2 years | Paid by the employer | People starting in an L&D team |
| CIPD learning and development qualification | About 6-12 months | Varies by provider | Career changers wanting a recognised credential |
How long it takes
If you are already a teacher or trainer, you can move into a training designer role within about 1 to 3 years by learning the authoring tools and building a portfolio. Starting from scratch takes longer, often via an L&D coordinator role.
Training Designer salary in the UK
Training designers usually start on around £30,000 to £37,000. Mid-level learning designers earn £42,000 to £55,000, and senior designers, learning experience leads or heads of digital learning can earn £65,000 to £85,000. Large companies, financial services and technology firms tend to pay most, along with London-based roles. Many experienced designers also work freelance on day rates or projects, so income varies with demand and your portfolio.
Key skills
- Instructional design
- Articulate Storyline / Rise
- Storyboarding
- User testing
Training Designer FAQs
How do I become a training designer?
Learn instructional design basics and an authoring tool such as Articulate Rise or Storyline, then build a portfolio of sample courses. Teachers, trainers and L&D staff are well placed to move across, and a CIPD learning and development qualification can help.
Do you need a degree to be an instructional designer?
Not always. Many employers prefer a degree, but they focus on your portfolio and experience. Teaching, training or content backgrounds are common, and CIPD qualifications or an L&D apprenticeship are alternatives to a degree.
How much does a training designer earn?
Starting pay is around £30,000 to £37,000. Mid-level designers earn £42,000 to £55,000, and senior designers or heads of digital learning can earn £65,000 to £85,000. Freelance day rates vary with experience.
Can teachers become instructional designers?
Yes, it is one of the most common career changes into the role. Teachers already plan lessons, set objectives and assess learning. The main gaps to fill are authoring tools, designing for adults at work and building a portfolio of digital learning.
Is Training Designer right for you?
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