The best places to find freelance and corporate trainer jobs include LinkedIn, Indeed, Totaljobs, Reed, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter. Whether you’re an experienced trainer or looking to move into corporate training for the first time, this guide explains where to look and how to improve your chances of finding training work.
What is a Freelance Trainer?
A freelance trainer normally refers to a person who offers corporate workshops or training, or who creates their own workshops and classes for adult learners.
Many freelance trainers work with HR departments, Learning and Development (L&D) teams, and training providers to deliver professional development and workplace learning programs for employees.
This article refers to corporate trainers rather than fitness or personal trainers.
If you’re exploring a career as a corporate trainer, our Trainer Careers & Freelancing Hub contains step-by-step guides on becoming a trainer, finding clients, marketing yourself, and building a freelance training business.
You might also be interested in reading our guide on how to become a freelance trainer.
What Skills Does a Freelance Corporate Trainer Need?
A freelance trainer will generally need the following skills:
- Teaching and facilitation skills – confidence and ability to teach and an understanding of teaching methods (You can do our Train the Trainer Course Online that is run by Dr Valeria Lo Iacono Symonds).
- Good organization – given that there will be numerous things to consider, such as planning the learning environment, preparing the training materials (or you can buy and download them from us)
- Motivation – Being self-employed is not easy! You will need to be self-motivated.
- Personable – If you want to win extra clients and repeat business, you will need to be personable.
TIP: In workshops, ensure that you hand out a feedback sheet at the end of the lesson. Use this feedback to improve how you provide training, and also use this as proof to clients of the high feedback rates as you perfect how you deliver training.
What Rates Can a Freelance Trainer Expect?
The rates vary so greatly that it is genuinely very difficult to answer this very commonly asked question. Let me give you some pointers, though:
- It depends on the exact subject you are teaching, so income as a trainer can vary drastically.
- It also depends on whether you are working completely freelance (you can charge per day) or if you will work as a trainer as an employee of a company.
- Assuming you will work as a freelance trainer, if you organize your own workshops, then after renting a room or venue, and after covering venue, marketing, and material costs, the remaining revenue is yours.
- So, if you charge $395 for a 2-day workshop and have 20 attendees, you can quite easily make $8000 (or $4000 a day).
- You will need to consider marketing costs as a freelancer.
Where to Find Freelance & Corporate Trainer Jobs
When searching for freelance trainer jobs, also try related terms such as contract trainer, training consultant, facilitator, and instructional designer. These roles are not identical, but employers may use overlapping job titles when advertising workplace training and learning opportunities.
1. LinkedIn (Worldwide)
LinkedIn might be a social media site that is excellent for business networking, but it is also a fantastic place for finding freelance and corporate trainer work.
Try these two links to find relevant job opportunities:
2. Indeed (Worldwide)
There are two useful searches on Indeed that can help you find training jobs:
Indeed is a useful option for finding both freelance and employed trainer roles in the U.S. and internationally.
You can sign up for their ‘Jobs by Email,’ but DO make sure that you further refine your search before setting this up, to make sure that you get good and relevant emails.
3. Total Jobs (Worldwide)
Another of the best job search sites is Totaljobs.com, which has localized listings for countries including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and many others.
- Trainer jobs (for freelance roles)
- Or view the search for corporate trainers’ roles here.
Similar to if you use Indeed.com, I recommend using email notifications, but ensure that you really refine the requirements.
If you cannot do a job more than 25 miles or kilometers away from where you live, make sure to set this in the filters for the jobs you do want.
4. Reed (UK Only)
Reed.co.uk is an excellent source for finding training jobs and is the site I used myself in the past.
I often found the best freelance trainer and corporate trainer jobs listed on Reed.
Certainly, a site I would recommend uploading your resume (CV) to, but do make sure that you keep it up-to-date (something I used to forget to do). An out-of-date CV means you’ll get postings about unrelated job opportunities, and this is poor time management in terms of your daily tasks.
On the Reed site, these are the pages to navigate to:
5. ZipRecruiter (USA)
If you are U.S.-based or looking for work in the U.S., then ZipRecruiter.com is one of the best sites for finding trainer-related work opportunities.
- Zip has a dedicated corporate trainer job page here.
6. Naukri (India)
One of the leading job sites in India, and also a great resource for those of you looking for corporate trainer jobs in India, is Naukri.com.
There always tend to be numerous positions listed for Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Gurgaon.
You can find their listings here:
7. Seek (Australia, NZ, China, and Brazil)
Seek is a job search site that is particularly strong in the Oceanic and Asian markets, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
You can use these resources for the Australasia region:
8. Workopolis (Canada)
For opportunities in Canada, Workopolis is another interesting option for finding a trainer job vacancy.
Workopolis lists work opportunities that are available to both English and French speakers. See:
9. Trainers Talk (UK)
One option, although they do not list job opportunities and they charge a subscription (so this is maybe not your best or first option), is Trainer’s Talk.
10. Glassdoor (Worldwide)
Another excellent option for a freelance trainer job in the United Kingdom, USA, and other locations worldwide.
Glassdoor is not as big as the likes of Indeed.com and Totaljobs, but this site is certainly worth registering with.
11. CareerBuilder (Mostly USA but International)
Career Builder is a significantly sized player for jobs and employment opportunities in the U.S. market. They also detail jobs further afield for freelance trainers.
12. Get Added to Trainers’ Corner to raise Awareness of Your Training Services
We would be very happy if you wished to do an email interview and get added to Trainers’ Corner.
You can include a bio and links to your site and social media, and this will help you to get yourself out there, online and in front of companies who look for training.
You might also want to read about the benefits of being a training facilitator in the workplace.
FAQs
How do I become a corporate trainer?
There is no single route to becoming a corporate trainer. Most trainers begin by developing expertise in a particular subject, gaining practical experience, and improving their presentation and facilitation skills. Many also complete a Train the Trainer course before delivering workshops for organizations or working independently.
What qualifications do corporate trainers need?
There is no universal qualification required to become a corporate trainer. Employers and clients are usually more interested in your subject matter expertise, industry experience, communication skills, and whether you have the ability to deliver effective and engaging training. Learn more about being a corporate trainer.
How much do freelance trainers earn?
There isn’t a simple answer because freelance trainers earn very different amounts. Your income will depend on your area of expertise, experience, where you work, and whether you’re delivering training for clients or running your own workshops.
