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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. Before clicking the apply now button please scroll down to find key information you will need to complete the application process.

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

About this course

Delivered by the Defence Centre for Training Support (DCTS), the Defence Trainer 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 multiple 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 civil servant 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 'Planned dates' box when we are accepting applications. Once application capacity for a singular course iteration has been reached, 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 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 six weeks prior to the start date.

 Course number Course dates  Open for application from 

DT 001

13 - 24 Apr 26

Jan 26

DT 002

11 - 22 May 26

Jan 26

DT 003

08 - 19 Jun 26

Jan 26

DT 004

13 - 24 Jul 26

Feb 26

DT 005

17 - 28 Aug 26

Mar 26

DT 006

14 - 25 Sept 26

Apr 26

DT 007

12 - 23 Oct 26

May 26

DT 008

09 - 20 Nov 26

Jun 26

DT 009

30 Nov - 11 Dec 26

Jun 26

DT 010

11 - 22 Jan 27

Aug 26

DT 011

08 - 19 Feb 27

Sep 26

DT 012

08 - 19 Mar 27

Oct 26

 

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.

 Number 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 terms of reference (TORs).

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 TORs.

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 TORs.

4

Current role requirement

Contained within student justification. Line manager agreement (Training Officer or OF3/C2). Evidence required: Assignment order and/or extract TORs 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 (e.g. 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 Defence Learning Environment (DLE) and will have successfully completed the online multiple choice assessment.

Additional information

How the course will be taught

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

How you will be assessed

You will complete: 

  • online multiple choice questions on the DLE
  • 2 x 15 minute and 1 x 30 minute 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

Planned dates