The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Learning & Development Administrator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering the LMS, accurate data entry, basic reporting, scheduling, managing learner queries, strong organisational skills.
You're ready to move on when
- You consistently handle administrative tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.
- You're proactive in identifying ways to improve existing processes.
- You've taken on informal leadership in small projects or guided new starters.
- You show a keen interest in the 'why' behind the learning programmes, not just the 'how'.
- 2
HR Coordinator / Assistant
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding HR processes, employee lifecycle, internal communication, basic data analysis, stakeholder interaction within HR.
You're ready to move on when
- You've regularly supported training initiatives or onboarding programmes within your HR role.
- You've shown an ability to manage small projects or workstreams independently.
- You're known for your excellent organisational and communication skills.
- You've expressed a clear interest in specialising in learning and development.
- 3
Project Coordinator (Non-HR)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Project planning, stakeholder management, risk identification, budget tracking (basic), reporting on project status.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully managed projects with multiple moving parts and stakeholders.
- You're adept at keeping things on track and communicating progress clearly.
- You can demonstrate how your project management skills would transfer to learning programme delivery.
- You're keen to apply your coordination skills to a people-focused, development-oriented role.