Career focus the e-learning trainer

Digital technology continues to expand in the field of professional training. According to the 2025 Digital Learning Barometer published by the ISTF, 24% of training professionals plan to shift their offerings toward more asynchronous distance learning, i.e., more e-learning. Regarding the teaching methods used by organizations, scripted e-learning has grown by 8 points in one year and video learning by 13 points. These two learning methods are used by more than 70% of training departments.

The profession of e-learning trainer, although recent, is becoming essential. What are the responsibilities of distance learning professionals? How do you land a job or become self-employed? What skills do you need to perform this role well? Rise provides a comprehensive overview.

What is an e – learning (online, digital) trainer?

An e-learning trainer teaches new skills, techniques, and/or behaviors, generally to an adult audience, exclusively online. Courses, learner support, exercises and assessments, educational resources: the entire training program is digital. The trainer specializing in e-learning is therefore tasked with adapting their methods, course materials, and participant support to the specificities of digital technology.

The e-trainer does not physically face a group of learners taking notes and asking questions. Their role becomes that of a learning facilitator: they make the content available online and allow learners to take ownership of the training and manage their progress independently. One of the main tasks of the e-learning trainer is therefore to design training modules accessible via a learning platform.

The e-learning trainer is, in reality, very often a digital trainer in the broadest sense. The difference: the professional no longer only prepares e-learning modules;e or she are competent in the entire sphere of digital learning. Thus, he or she knows how to build and facilitate a virtual classroom, an SPOCC (Small Private Online Course – a private online course in small groups), and a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course – distance learning open to all and capable of welcoming a large number of participants). By extension, a digital trainer may be able to carry out missions as a digital learning project manager, consultant o or multimedia educational engineer.

Finally, note that e-learning trainers work as independent contractors or employees. Public and private training organizations, as well as companies with a training department, are the natural employers of e-learning trainers.

What is e-learning training?

An e-learning course refers to a learning path carried out exclusively online. The design of the courses and their completion by learners are carried out on digital media. It is therefore a distance learning course, most often asynchronous. Concretely, once the learning modules are put online, participants consult them whenever they wish, the courses remaining accessible on the platform at all times. This temporal accessibility is extended by geographical accessibility: as long as an internet connection exists, anyone enrolled in the training is able to follow it, wherever they are.

The appeal of such training systems lies primarily in their flexibility: learners progress at their own pace; they are free to move more quickly through certain content and delve deeper into others. Digital training, therefore, leads to learner empowerment and increased personalization of learning paths. The introduction of artificial intelligence further enhances the degree of individualization by allowing e-learning platforms and LMS (Learning Management Systems), such as Rise Up, to make training recommendations that are as close as possible to the learner’s needs.

The ultimate objective of e-learning training is therefore to improve learning processes and ensure skills development that is both rapid and in line with participants’ expectations.

While online training can be a complete learning experience on its own, companies are increasingly opting for hybrid learning methods that combine e-learning and in-person learning. This is known as blended learning. This teaching method capitalizes on the advantages of both: autonomy, flexibility, and innovative teaching methods on the one hand, and a rewarding social experience on the other.

What is the average salary of an e -learning trainer?

The salary of a salaried e-learning trainer is around €1,800 / €2,000 gross per month for a junior position and up to €2,700 or even €3,000 gross monthly for a senior profile. 

The income of a freelance trainer varies greatly. Turnover can range from a few hundred euros per month to over €5,000 per month, before paying fees, charges, and taxes. The number of hours worked, the trainer’s specialization, and years of experience all have an impact on compensation.

What are the missions of an e- learning trainer?

Whether working as an employee or as a service provider, the e-learning trainer is responsible for the following tasks:

• Definition of the needs of the target audience and associated educational objectives 
• Creation of e-learning modules using digital tools, in particular the authoring tool (the latter allowing the design of interactive modules from A to Z).
• Organization and facilitation of online training sessions (virtual classes, for example).
• Monitoring and support of learners, in particular through exchanges in a dedicated community space and on social networks.
• Preparation and correction of online assessments 
• Analysis of results and improvement of the learning experience .

Here are the essential skills of the e -learning trainer?

The job of a digital learning specialist trainer requires a broad range of skills, focused on both technical and human aspects. 

Technical skills (hard skills)

• Proficiency in training platforms, particularly LMS and e-learning platforms.
• Mastery of pedagogies and teaching methods specific to digital learning: video learning, interactive learning, virtual classes, social learning, etc.
• Mastery of technical tools for designing training modules: graphic design and video editing applications, authoring tools, etc.
• Proficiency in collaborative digital solutions, such as Microsoft 365.