Become a Course Director / Trainer

Working with PraxisAuril

PraxisAuril’s programme development and delivery work in the UK is led and governed by expert practitioners, who are all passionate advocates for professional knowledge exchange and we’re always looking for new individuals and organisations to work with us.

These professionals are extremely influential and well-connected to our key stakeholders, nationally and internationally, in government and in industry. Their enthusiasm and energy, supported by PraxisAuril's office team, drives and informs a broad range of activities in policy, training and conference programme development.

PraxisAuril works with, and learns from, other like-minded organisations around the world to ensure that we are developing and representing the KE sector with consistent standards and messages - and sourcing ideas and best practice, wherever they originate. 

We encourage engagement from across our membership, including experienced practitioners with a significant track record, as well as relative newcomers. With practical training and support provided, working with PraxisAuril is a fantastic opportunity for professional development and profile-raising while making a real contribution to the sector and there are many ways that you can get involved.

Call for New Course Directors and Trainers

Our national training programme is admired around the world for the quality of its content and the knowledge of the expert practitioners who deliver it.

We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals looking to join a cohort of potential new Course Directors & Trainers for 2023/24 onwards.

What does a Course Director do?

Usually working in pairs, the role of the Course Director is to take overall responsibility for the direction and delivery of an entire training course. This involves working with many other people, to capitalise on everyone’s strengths and deliver an exemplary and highly effective learning experience.

  • Current Courses: To work alongside experienced Course Directors on continuous improvement and delivery of our current course programme.
  • Online Delivery: To help transition our current training course portfolio to online delivery so that we can offer courses online as well as face-to-face.
  • New Courses: To work with the PraxisAuril Executive Team on the creation and development of our next generation of training courses.

What does a Trainer do?

Led by the Course Directors, each training course is co-delivered by a cohort of domain experts who each lead or contribute to delivery of a specific session.  Session formats vary considerably but include presentations, group exercises, Q&As and panel sessions.

How do I become a Course Director?

The process outlined below sets out the six steps we’d follow if you think course directing may be for you:

  1. Expression of Interest.
    Contact our team to express an interest in becoming a Course Director.  
     
  2. Course Selection.
    In discussion with the HoPD&M identify which course(s) may be best fit with your expertise and experience.
     
  3. Meet the Current Course Directors.
    Meet with the current team of Course Directors to understand the structure and learning objectives and get a better feel for what it means to direct a course.
     
  4. Shadow a Course.
    Attend a course to gain a better understanding of the role of a Course Director.
    (Note: Opportunities to shadow are dependent on capacity and budget and are usually limited to 1 - 2 people per course)
     
  5. Attend a Traing-the-Trainer Course.
    Scheduled throughout the year, our train-the-trainer courses are designed to support new Course Directors in learning the fundamentals of effective training.
     
  6. Join the Course Director Team. 
    After a period of shadowing and having attended a train-the-trainer event, you are now ready to join the Course Director team!

How do I become a Trainer?

Trainers are typically invited to deliver individual sessions by the Course Directors, but if you have a specific topic in mind and/or would like to discuss your ideas with the Course Directors, please get in touch here.

FAQs

How much time do I need to commit?

Course directing and training require a sustained input which increases towards the time of course delivery.

What support will I get as a Course Director or Trainer?

We offer a broad range of support to ensure the experience is as positive and productive as possible.  For new Trainers and Course Directors we offer formal ‘train-the-trainer’ support as well as opportunities to learn from experienced trainers through networking and knowledge sharing events.

How long do I have to commit to being a Course Director?

Often we will encourage individuals to shadow current Course Directors for their first year in the role, and many Course Directors and Trainers remain involved for many years beyond that - but it is, of course, entirely up to you.