Defence Trainer Course

Foundation
This course covers the key principles of how to deliver defence training, focusing on the use of the Present Apply Review model.
An army officer and civilian pointing to an interactive whiteboard.

Course Information

Level: Foundation
Location: Shrivenham
School/Centre: Defence Centre for Training Support
Course Code: DTc
Duration: Stage 1:  8-12 hours online learning | Stage 2:  10-days residential (including L3 AET) | Stage 3: Lesson Observations (TP's 4, 5 & 6) by unit DTS
When: Multiple dates available

About this course

Delivered by the Defence Centre for Training Support (DCTS), this course has been designed for you, as a trainer delivering training within the Phase 1, 2 and 3 environment, as well as in a defence workplace environment.

You will learn via a number of techniques including facilitation, practical training deliveries and interactive scenarios.

You will be required to deliver 3 x 30 minute practice lessons.

The course also includes the Care of Trainees training. For OR2 to OF3 and CS equivalents delivering training in a phase 1 or 2 training establishment. Level 3 Award on Education and Training.

Please Note: All our courses will be open for application 6 months prior to the course start date and will appear in the 'Planed Dates' box when we are accepting applications. Once DCTS reaches application capacity for a singular course iteration, these course dates will be removed from the 'Planned Dates' box. In the table below you can see all course iterations for the full training year and when they will become open for application. For further information please refer to the DCTS DIN; 2025DIN07-019-Defence Centre for Training Support (DCTS) course information and instruction, which can be found on MODnet.

Applications for the course will be closed 6 weeks prior to the start date.

Planned courses 25/26

Course number

Course dates

Open for application form

DT 001

31 Mar – 11 Apr 25

Dec 24

DT 002

02 – 13 Jun 25

Jan 25

DT 003

14 – 25 Jul 25

Feb 25

DT 004

28 Jul – 08 Aug 25

Mar 25

DT 005

01 – 12 Sep 25

Apr 25

DT 006

15 – 26 Sep 25

Apr 25

DT 007

13 – 24 Oct 25

May 25

DT 008

27 Oct – 07 Nov 25

May 25

DT 009

17 – 28 Nov 25

Jun 25

DT 010

01 – 12 Dec 25

Jul 25

DT 011

12 – 23 Jan 26

Aug 25

DT 012

02 - 13 Feb 26

Sep 25

DT 013

16 – 27 Feb 26

Sep 25

DT 014

02 - 13 Mar 26

Oct 25

DT 015

16 – 27 Mar 26

Oct 25

What you will learn

You will learn a range of teaching methodologies, the course will provide a foundation in the essential skills and techniques, which are crucial for you when dealing with trainees in all phase of military training and in the workplace.

Completion of the DTc course is mandatory for all new trainers within Phase 1, 2 and 3 training establishments.

How this course will help your career

It will enable you, as a trainer, to work in phase 1, 2 and 3 training establishments as well as in the workplace.

Entry requirements

Who can attend this course

  • Military
  • MOD civil servants

DCTS Priority Matrix Applicants are to use the priority matrix below to identify where they best fall as a priority for the course. On receipt of application acknowledgement and student justification form from DCTS, all applicants are to list their priority number and return the student justification detailing why they fall within the below priority.

Priority Matrix

No:

Overview:

Detail:

1

Specific operational requirements

Contained within student justification. Unit*/Line Manager agreement (Defence Trainer Manager, Training Officer, or OF3/C2). Evidence required: For example, assignment order/detachment notice and/or extract from TOR's.

2

Unit Critical, no unit qualified individuals

Contained within student justification. Unit*/Line Manager agreement (Defence Trainer Manager, Training Officer, or OF3/C2). Evidence required: Evidence of unit risk (training will be cancelled or reduced. Safety could be compromised). In addition, assignment order/detachment notice and/or extract from TOR's.

3

Unit Urgent, reduced number of trained personnel

Contained within student justification. Unit*/Line Manager agreement (Defence Trainer Manager, Training Officer, or OF3/C2). Evidence required: Evidence of unit risk (training will be cancelled or reduced. Safety could be compromised). In addition, assignment order/detachment notice and/or extract from TOR's.

4

Current role requirement

Contained within student justification. Line Manager agreement (Training Officer or OF3/C2). Evidence required: Assignment order and/or extract TOR's required and Navy Training Managers in phase 2 training.

5

Professional, branch or trade requirement or promotion

Contained within student justification. Line Manager agreement (OF3/C2). Evidence required: Identifying courses for future roles within your profession, branch or trade but not currently your primary role or promotion board requirement.

6

Cover of short-term gap

Contained within student justification. Line Manager agreement (OF3/C2). Evidence required: Not your primary role but fulfilling an additional requirement due to gapped post.

7

Other reason

Contained within student justification. Line Manager agreement (SNCO). Reason for application (Eg; professional development, interest, future planning).

*Notes for Unit justification:

  1. OF3/C2 contact and detail outlining the situation with numbers of posts, filled/gapped and how many of the filled ones are not yet qualified. 
  2. Extracts of Customer Executive Board (including working groups) records of decision.
  3. Extracts from the commander's risk assessment or self-assessment report, or other formal staff product which notes the risk (Risk Register, etc).

Before you attend

You will have 8-12 hours for online learning on the DLE and will have successfully completed the online multiple choice assessment.

Additional information

How the course will be taught

  • Face-to-face/Residential
  • Blended
  • Online (Virtual)

How you will be assessed

  • online multiple choice questions on the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)
  • 2 x 15 min and 1 x 30 micro-teach
  • contributions to group discussions throughout the course
  • lesson planning
  • self reflection
  • peer review
  • completion of the Level 3 Award in Education and Training Portfolio