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Finding L&D/training roles in Europe

Hi everyone,

I wanted to know if anyone had tips on finding L&D/training jobs abroad in a Europe?

I've just completed my level 3 CIPD in L&D, currently working in an admin L&D role in the UK. I would like to get a training or L&D role in Europe. I speak multiple languages which I hope could help.

Looking forward to hearing from you, thanks!

Claire

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  • Hi Claire

    Sadly, I am not a position to help but there are experienced international HRDs here on the forum who might be able to.

    It might be helpful though if you could narrow it down a little: what languages do you speak, to what degree of fluency and do you perhaps currently work for a company operating across Europe? If so, could you maybe ask for a transfer? If not, what sector is your current experience in?
  • Agree with Anke
    A good first step is to work with a foreign company in the UK, and for you to become visible to the deciders in the home country. Once you can convince them you have something to offer by working in the HQ you then have a sprinboard to other things
    Another approach once your inside the UK operations of a foreign country is to volunteer for transborder projects, again acquiring visibility
    Finally don't underestimate the cultural differences you'll need to understand to become effective in another country... often bigger than we think, believe me :-)
  • In reply to Anka:

    Thanks for the reply Anka!

    I'm French/English so I speak both languages fluently as I was brought up in both and also fluent in Italian and have rusty Spanish.

    I do currently work for global company that operates all over the world, however I'm not particularly interested by that industry (construction & engineering) and a lot of the training done is external as it has to be specialised..

    I used to work in start up in the travel industry, so I'm interested by the tech scene.

  • In reply to Ray:

    That's helpful thanks Ray!
  • In reply to Claire:

    Hi Claire

    If you had substituted "generalist HR" for "L&D" in your original post, I would have said tech is your best bet. I was job hunting last year and there were a lot of generalist roles which conceivably might have either gotten you international exposure in the UK or could have been done elsewhere - or are required to be done elsehwere (I lost out on at least one due to not being able to relocate). Post-brexit, I think some of the more "media" tech companies may well leave London although their preferred destinations might be Amsterdam or Berlin rather than Paris or Rome.

    Sadly, L&D is not my area of expertise but if you are interested in the tech sector (excluding fin tech maybe), enthusiasm, "getting" the culture and knowledge of how to nurture culture and talent seem really important - all the "positive" bits of HR without too much of that compliance stuff being required... all of which might be right up your street?
  • Be aware that whichever EU country you are going to, it may be wise to strike while the iron is hot and get any UK qualifications officially recognized in the destination country. The group "British in Europe" have listed the main shortfalls of the December citizens rights agreement. Unfortunately, Qualifications is one of the things listed...