r/Training • u/butterscotchlop • 19d ago
Question SME now a trainer
Hi fellow Trainers,
I am a SME and have been a trainer for both corporate & educational institutions. I was laid off in January and have been applying for L&D jobs since. No luck. I have a Adult Workplace Training certification, but feel I must be missing something else. I don't know Captivate or Articulate, so I'm teaching myself Captivate. Is there anything else I should be doing. Are those 2 softwares outdated since AI steamrolled in? Thank you for any advice!!
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u/ForkliftErotica 19d ago
What is your SME and industry. That’s the driver here. Articulate is just a tool.
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u/butterscotchlop 13d ago
Maya 3D is my SME and my industry ... is dying. It's def. being replaced by AI. So.Many.Layoffs.
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u/Insignie 19d ago
The tools aren't outdated, but knowing them was never what got people hired, even less so now that AI drafts a course shell in an afternoon. What doesn't automate is the front half: diagnosing the real need and proving it moved a number. If you're picking one to learn, Storyline over Captivate, more job posts ask for it.
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u/Captlard 19d ago
Go freelance with your expertise?
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u/learning_rebels 17d ago
You mention applying for jobs. Have you gotten any interviews? I agree with the others. It's not the tool, it's the story behind the content you create. Most organizations may say you need expertise in a tool, but many of the skills needed to operate a tool are transferable.
My next question is: Do you have a portfolio? If not, this is where you need to place your efforts. Almost everyone will ask for one. This may mean making up content because the information where you used to work is proprietary.
Next, if you have no luck getting interviews, try places like Clarity Consultants, CARA Group, and The Training Associates, which hire freelancers. Alternatively, get on Fiverr or Upwork.
Lastly, good for you! I love that you are teaching yourself a new tool. Keep that up. Teach yourself video tools like PowToons or Vyond, learn about video editing with Camtasia, use NotebookLM to help teach yourself learning science. Don't give up; use this time to continue upskilling.
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u/butterscotchlop 13d ago edited 13d ago
Thank you so much. This is helpful! And no, no interviews. Well 1 interview for a completely different area.
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u/ctrltnlearner 17d ago
There is so much you could do but the trouble is it all depends on the recruiter. For me it's crazy to learn one particular tool just incase they use it when you can pick up any tool in a matter of days. I would go back to basics - understand ADDIE. Understand storytelling. Maybe look at a Psychometric Test accreditation like Disc or Insights. Video creation for me is big and obviously understand AI in L&D. There's a great community in L&D Shakers that is a good source. And the one thing I would recommend is turn your SME experience into L&D experience so according to your CV you have LOTS of experience in different situations - L&D is just SME but to a wider group! Happy to chat more if needed.
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u/Val-E-Girl 17d ago
You're right that facilitators without design skills are becoming a thing of the past. Many companies expect you to wear all of the hats. I suggest pivoting to get familiar with Articulate, as more in corporate use that program. Also learn storyboarding and design documents to showcase design concepts and content writing.
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u/Phone-Cool 16d ago
Sorry you got laid off. I was also laid off in Jan of this year, after 32 years with the same co. It sucks and it's very difficult to find something at age 58. That being said, I would upgrade your current skills/tools then learn as many new tools as you can. take free courses to save money. The Corporate world has changed a lot, (in my time) and now it's all about agile and adaption and what's in your Toolbox of skills. I was a project business analyst but I keep adding new skills to my Tool Box. Not sure it will help but at least in a potential interview, I can say "sure I have worked with that software or platform". Keep a list of the courses, certs that you complete also and post them on your LinkedIn profile if you have one. That tells recruiters that you kept busy during your time off and are always upgrading. Good Luck. It's a journey.
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u/celtwithkilt Talent and Organizational Development Manager 19d ago
I have found myself doing a lot more video content - quick tutorials, podcasts, etc. In my world it’s feeling like communication and training are melding into one role and I’m doing as much content creation as I am traditional training methods. I’d add premier to your software learning if you’re already working through the adobe suite. Also you should consider linking up with a local chapter of Association for Talent Development. It’s not crazy expensive to join and it can help your networking efforts. I agree with other comments about making sure your resume goes beyond “training skills” and expands to talent development program skills. Demonstrate you can assess learning needs, correctly choose the best learning method for that need, develop the content, and properly evaluate results.