“Trainers are born, not made”
This blog relates to the unit TAEDEL411 Facilitate vocational training unit from the course TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Can we really teach just anybody to be a trainer? Can we teach just anybody to be a concert pianist? We can all agree that it
63 comments
Vicki Harper
I believe that anyone can teach, but can they teach well. Can they alter the way they teach for the individual student when that student does not understand. Can they make learning engaging and enjoyable so as to facilitate the love of what is being taught.
Abbey K
I think it’s a bit of both. You need some natural aptitude, but the structure and skills you learn in a course like the TAE40122 are what turn that aptitude into a professional career. You can’t just be a good speaker; you have to know how to structure a lesson, manage a group, and assess learning. That part is definitely ‘made.
Courtney
I have to disagree. While there are some personal characteristics which may improve someone’s ability/effectiveness of education delivery- anybody who has the drive and passion can become a great trainer. Great trainers have patience, understanding and respect for learners of all levels and life experience- promoting a safe learning environment and promoting that “we all start somewhere”
Hunter
You can slap a Cert IV on someone and hand them a laser pointer, but that doesn’t make them a trainer. Real trainers? They’re born with the gift of the gab, a sixth sense for learner panic, and the ability to turn dry compliance into something that actually sticks. They don’t just teach—they perform. They know when to drop a war story, crack a joke, or throw the lesson plan out the window because the room needs CPR (figuratively… hopefully). You can train someone to deliver content, but you can’t teach charisma, timing, or the art of making acronyms sound sexy. In high-pressure gigs like emergency services, you need trainers who can read the chaos and still land the message. Born trainers don’t just tick boxes—they light fires. And let’s be honest, we’ve all met the other kind… bless their cotton socks.
Loni
I believe trainers can be both born and made. An effective trainer is one that has actively engaged in the learning process of an individual and is able to understand the learners best learning methods while tailoring their content to their learning style, especially in a “in person” teaching setting. Learners definitely have responsibility for their own learning by attitude and willingness to learn also.
Loni
“Trainers are born, not made.”
I believe trainers can be both born and made. An effective trainer is one that has actively engaged in the learning process of an individual and is able to understand the learners best learning methods while tailoring their content to their learning style, especially in a “in person” teaching setting. Learners definitely have responsibility for their own learning by attitude and willingness to learn also.
Jessica Ryan
I believe trainers can absolutely be both—born and made. Some people might naturally possess strong communication skills, leadership qualities, or the ability to connect with others, which can make training feel natural to them. However, many effective trainers have developed their skills over time through learning, practice, and persistence.
In my opinion, the key factor is passion. Whether someone is a natural or has to work at it, the real driver is their passion for wanting to help others learn and grow. Passion fuels the patience, commitment, and effort needed to be a great trainer.
While personalities and certain traits may come more naturally to some, training is ultimately a skill—and like any skill, it can be taught. So, while some may be ‘born’ with certain trainer qualities, anyone with the right mindset and dedication can become an excellent trainer.
Emily H
The phrase “leaders are born, not made” sounds catchy, but it’s misleading.
Natural traits like confidence or charisma can help, but leadership is a skillset — it’s learned, practiced, and refined over time.
Many great leaders started as reluctant ones, growing through experience and feedback.
Instead of deciding who’s “born” to lead, we should focus on developing leadership in everyone who’s willing to learn.
Elise Parkhill
While some people can have natural abilities to make them effective trainers, I believe great trainers develop their abilities over time through learning, experiences, practice, education. A great trainer also has excellent communication skills who engages their audience, who adapts training the suit the needs of the learners, who encourages collaboration and challenges their learners and who seeks improvement. Great trainers also motivate and support others.
Jody Murphy
Great trainers aren’t unicorns. They’re people who’ve learned their craft, stayed curious, and backed themselves. Talent might help you get started, but training, reflection and practice is what makes you great.
And here’s the kicker, we’re not just training for ourselves. We’re helping shape the next generation of workers, leaders, and lifelong learners. If we believe trainers are made, not born, then we’ve got to believe the same about our students.
It’s our job to build their confidence, grow their skills, and show them that with the right support, they can achieve more than they thought possible.
So, no, trainers aren’t just born. They’re made. And we’re in the business of making them.
Bianca G
Trainers are not born, yes some people have some great natural qualities that give them a boost, like being a naturally confident speaker, a wonderful listener, a positive aura or a great storyteller, but a great trainer has learned and experienced what they are teaching and build on every learning experience by making it better the next time. I believe we can grow into great trainers with a positive attitude and commitment to learn the skills to teach and facilitate learning to diverse and unique individuals.
Leighton Thomas
I disagree with the statement that “trainers are born, not made.” I believe that anyone with a genuine desire to achieve something, they can develop the necessary skills through learning, experience, and proper guidance. Effective training involves skills that can be taught—such as planning, engaging learners, assessing understanding, and adapting to different learning styles. With the right support and commitment, a person can grow into an excellent trainer.
Jody M
Great trainers aren’t unicorns. They’re people who’ve learned their craft, stayed curious, and backed themselves. Talent might help you get started, but training, reflection and practice is what makes you great.
And here’s the kicker, we’re not just training for ourselves. We’re helping shape the next generation of workers, leaders, and lifelong learners. If we believe trainers are made, not born, then we’ve got to believe the same about our students.
It’s our job to build their confidence, grow their skills, and show them that with the right support, they can achieve more than they thought possible.
So, no, trainers aren’t just born. They’re made. And we’re in the business of making them.
Shaun Taylor
Experience and love for the subject matter helps. Being taught the best method can help, but unless you have that inner eye to see what is being absorbed you will not be teaching, you will only be talking.
Troy Pan
The saying “trainers are born, not made” doesn’t seem to hold up in the world of Vocational Education and Training (VET), where effective training relies on learned skills like curriculum design, competency-based assessment, and inclusive facilitation. While certain intrinsic qualities do help, the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment equips industry professionals, many of whom have no prior teaching experience, with the tools and knowledge to become effective trainers.
Jason Masclet
I believe anyone can be trained to perform a skill, task, or be taught the relevant knowledge to apply to a specific role. However, it does come down to the individuals willingness, motivation, previous knowledge, the want to learn, and accountability to ensure they achieve what they are looking for out of it.
Shannon Weiley
I do believe that trainers are born, yet I also believe that this ‘nature’ phenomenal is developed by nurture/ being taught, experiences and developing both as a person and as a trainer over the years.
Eunice
“Trainers are born not made”. There is a saying of same context in principles of education. Typical “nature or nurture” question. After decades and centuries of debating, we have come to a conclusion that the question itself was wrong. What works best in education is “nature AND nurture”.
I have the same perspective towards anyone’s choice of profession or talent. Exemplary teachers or trainers are “born AND made”, not “born or made”. One may have innate characteristics (a.k.a “born”) that are perfect to become a trainer such as patience, nurturing personality, passion in education, etc. These traits, however, require adequate training (a.k.a. “made”) for one to become an exemplary trainer. Skills like classroom management, modification and adjustment strategies, critical self-reflection need to be learned. It’s when these 2 critical parts meet, a high-quality trainer is born and made.
Steven James Males
Trainers can be born but also can be taught. If someone has the passion and drive to become a trainer, then anything is possible in the VET industry. I developed my passion to become a trainer through, teaching apprentices on the job as a tradesman and becoming a scout leader. In my current role, I love helping new staff explaining how the systems work and how to perform their role effectively.
Bec
I don’t think everyone is able to become a trainer. It depends on so many factors…communication, adaptability, knowledge and skills, motivations. Not all of these things are teachable in full. Many things are teachable and people can improve in the areas that are required for becoming a trainer if they have the motivation for it.
Rach T
A great trainer shows leadership and compassion and provides stability as well as support to there students in many different ways. As well as showing these characteristics a trainer must have experience and knowledge in the field they are teaching but also know when to ask for help themselves.
Matilda T
If somebody has passion, knowledge and desire to teach, they can become a trainer. As long as someone has strong communication skills (which can be developed), a person can become a trainer.
Lan Truong
The statement is incorrect.
Growing up you will show interest in what you want to do with your life. Then you have tutoring to support or develop your skills.
For example, you need to show passion in your choice of career. Different roles require basic foundation in order to succeed.
To be a trainer you need skills in communication to support your learner cohort.
Samuel Cawley
I don’t completely agree that trainers are born and not made. Some people are just born with the skills of empathy, patience, communication skills etc. But for most people it takes time and effort to learn how to teach well. Having personal skills at your nature helps you to learn faster but still will require learning. Every trainer has to be a learner at some point in their teaching journey.
The main element that I agree with is the passion for being a trainer. That is often something that a person either has or they don’t. You can teach someone until they are proficient but without the passion you will often see them perform to an poor level, despite being technically proficient.
Daisy Alexander
This is a toughie – a classic nature vs nurture scenario. In line with a couple of the responses I have seen I believe many people are naturally suited to a training role, but this doesn’t mean that others who don’t see themselves as natural teachers, leaders or communicators may not excel in the same role with training and support.
Kate J
I agree that both skills can be taught, but to succeed and be good at it requires more than just the training/education.
Norm Siggee
I concur with the comments already made. Being a great trainer is a reflection of our passion for developing a person’s skills which will meet their desired goals for their professional and personal development.
Kate Grajales Ochoa
I think that whilst some people are born with natural talents and abilities, that does not take away from an individuals ability to grow and learn, and adapt into something new.
Jaime
I think training, like any skill, can be taught. I do think however, like most things; the willingness and desire to learn must be present. If these are not present, I think even a ‘natural trainer’ may not be as effective as a trainer who has learnt and utilised their passion.
Kathryn Ottrey
The idea that “trainers are born and not made” suggests that effective trainers possess innate qualities that cannot be fully taught. Natural traits such as strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to inspire others are often seen as essential for successful trainers. These individuals intuitively understand how to engage learners, adapt to different learning styles, and create an inclusive environment. However, while natural abilities play a role, effective training also requires learned skills. Knowledge of instructional design, assessment methods, and cultural sensitivity—especially when working with diverse groups like Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) staff—can be developed through experience and education. Good trainers combine their natural talents with continuous learning and professional development. Thus, while some may have a natural inclination for training, truly great trainers refine their skills over time, blending inherent qualities with structured learning to deliver effective, person-centred education.
Maria
Anyone can be taught to be a trainer however its whether they are a good trainer that makes the difference to the learning experience of the students. A training needs to be knowledgeable and passionate about the subject they are training and engaging to the students
Tayla
I agree that it takes a special person to be a trainer. Having a wealth of knowledge on the topic and being able to express and share it in ways that are interesting and engaging. I have always found it can be similar to being a performer, you are always on show and having to put your best forward for your learners. Being a trainer you need to be able to think creatively and instinctively, recognising when a session might not be going well and adjusting on the run to make it work. Or seeing when someone is struggling and being able to differentiate for everyone to be successful.
Brooke
A good trainer is compassionate, understanding and adaptable. A good trainer understands that those sitting in their class come from all different backgrounds and they are their for a singular purpose. If the trainer is able to show the passion and excitement for the course, there is no doubt that the trainer will have a lasting impact.
Emma Giles
Sure, we can teach people the basics, but becoming a great trainer is about more than just knowing your stuff. It’s about having that special spark, that ability to connect with learners, and that knack for adapting on the fly. It takes a certain kind of talent and passion.
Sam
Yes great trainers are born, but trainers can be taught presentation as long as they have a solid subject knowledge.
Sonja Dawson
A good trainer is someone who:
– knows their content, and knows how to deliver it in a a way that holds their students interest
– knows their students learnng styles and is flexible in adapting their style to their individual needs
– is able to recognise and receive constructive feedback and incorporate it for future improvement to their training sessions
-makes their teaching interesting and able to empower and motivate their students with passion and enthusiasm
Marwa Osman
I believe a great trainer is one who finds joy in observing others as they learn and grow. It requires life skills and empathy to understand that people learn in different ways, and you may need to adjust your teaching style to help them along the way.
I do not believe it is as simple as one being born with this skill or not…I agree it is a gift…but living life and its experiences helps you acquire this insight and ability incrementally…I believe it is experience in the field you are teaching as well as life that makes the best trainers.
Marwa Osman
I believe a great trainer is one who finds joy in observing others as they learn and grow. It requires life skills and empathy to understand that people learn in different ways, and you may need to adjust your teaching style to help them along the way.
I do not believe it is as simple as one being born with this skill or not…I agree it is a gift…but living life and its experiences helps you acquire this insight and ability incrementally…I believe it is experience in the field you are teaching as well as life that makes the best trainers!
NICHOLAS P
I believe that trainers have an innate ability that cannot be taught, although training and education can certainly improve their skills. A successful trainer requires a unique combination of natural talent, passion for teaching, knowledge, empathy, confidence, and adaptability. Connecting with learners and being able to adjust to their needs are essential qualities for a trainer to be truly effective, making it a skill set that not everyone has.
Stephen
Great trainers stay engaged and enthusiastic about the material they are teaching. Every student deserves to be met with the same enthusiastic traits a trainer likes to see in their students. Show students the passion you have for training and your material so they can be just as passionate about their learning.
Tristan
I think that any one can become a trainer and do it well, but not anyone can train any subject/material. A trainer should have passion, knowledge and experience behind what they are teaching to be a good trainer.
Maria
I believe a great trainer is someone who has extensive knowledge of the area they are training. They need to be flexible with their learning methods to cater for different students abilities and be able to recognise this about each student.
They need to be engaging, enthusiastic and passionate about the content they are training. If they have these qualities students will be excited and eager to learn.
Em
Compassion, communication skills, being open to learning even as you teach, and a love for the skills you’re sharing!
Kara C
I believe a good trainer has a good combination of skills that allow them to effectively teach the audience they are teaching, they need to be able to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience for their learners, and some of the main skills are being able to be flexible in their approach, understanding that needs are different for everyone, able to communicate with the learners they are training, knowledgeable in the specific skill so they can pass on that expertise and passionate not only about what they are teaching but being able to learn it as well.
Ben Armstrong
A great trainer has the knowledge ,experience and willingness to attempt to impart that package to people who are keen to learn, while recognizing the reception of that learning has to be malleable to suit a wide range of learners.
kellie
I believe a great trainer has similar characteristics of a great leader. A person can learn how to ‘train’ and have great knowledge of the material. However, to a great trainer has to ability to evoke a passion, interest in the subject and a want to learn, which is instinctive.
I believe it is a combination of the two, born and made.
NATHAN COSFORD
I think a trainer needs to be adaptable to the needs of their students, while still knowing the core concepts that must be understood. Having practical experience in your field before training others in it is vital, as you know the areas that can be dealt with quickly and superficially as well as the areas that must be thoroughly understood by the students.
Michelle Travers
Oooh that is a tricky one. Trainers can be taught operationally how to train and the mechanics of training, however it is the talent, passion and innovation that trainers bring to training is what ignites the learning process.
Kevin Owen
The main criteria for a good trainer is communication. Communication that can be adapted to fit different types of people. One communication style will not fit the next person and so on. If a trainer understands why they are doing what they are doing, why they are training their course and topic then they will instinctively find a way to communicate that.
Melissa Knight
A great trainer is someone who is passionate about the subject. Passion, enthusiasm and dedication to improving knowledge in that area are clearly evident when you have a great trainer. As a student, it is easier to learn, and more enjoyable, when the trainer is all of the above.