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
Administrative Assistant / Office Coordinator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Organisation, scheduling, communication, basic IT troubleshooting, managing multiple priorities.
You're ready to move on when
- You're the 'go-to' person for admin queries in your current role.
- You consistently meet deadlines and keep things running smoothly.
- You've taken initiative to improve administrative processes.
- You enjoy supporting others and are keen to learn about L&D.
- 2
Operations Support Assistant
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding operational rhythms, problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, data entry accuracy, working with frontline staff.
You're ready to move on when
- You're familiar with the demands of an operational environment.
- You're good at following procedures and ensuring compliance.
- You've shown an interest in how people are trained or onboarded.
- You're known for your reliability and attention to detail.
- 3
HR Coordinator / Junior L&D Assistant
0-1 yearSkills to master
- HR systems, employee data management, basic L&D processes, confidentiality, supporting learning programmes.
You're ready to move on when
- You've already had exposure to L&D or HR administration.
- You understand the importance of employee development.
- You're comfortable with HRIS or LMS systems.
- You're looking to specialise more within the learning function.