She was already training others — but didn’t feel qualified to say it ...

A real learner story about confidence, credibility, and becoming a qualified trainer.

Niamh had worked in her organisation for many years. She knew the systems, the processes, and the culture inside out. New staff were regularly sent to her to be shown “how things really work”.

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(Approx. 5:13 minutes) ➡️

Before: experienced, trusted - but quietly doubting herself ...

Niamh had worked in her organisation for many years. She knew the systems, the processes, and the culture inside out. New staff were regularly sent to her to be shown “how things really work”
She:

📌training new starters informally
📌supported colleagues with procedures and systems
📌explained tasks clearly and patiently
📌was relied on by managers and peers

But there was one thing that unsettled her. When training sessions became more formal, or when people outside her immediate team were involved, she began to hear questions like:

📌“What qualification do you have to train people?”
📌 “Are you officially a trainer?”
📌"Where did you earn your trainer qualification?"

No one doubted her experience — but the lack of a recognised qualification made her doubt herself.

📢“I knew I could train people. I just didn't feel entitled to say I was a trainer.”

The imposter syndrome crept in.

The turning point: realising experience and qualification could align ...

Niamh wasn’t trying to change careers. She wasn’t looking to become a full-time external trainer.

She simply wanted:

📌confidence
📌credibility
📌and the ability to stand over the role she was already doing

After speaking with a Training Advisor at Lir, Niamh realised that QQI Level 6 training and development courses were designed for people exactly like her — experienced professionals who were already training others but lacked formal recognition.

She chose to upskill in areas such as:

📌training delivery
📌identifying training needs
📌planning and evaluating learning

Not to replace her experience — but to validate it.

During the course: putting structure around what she already knew ...

From the beginning, the learning felt familiar — but also eye-opening.

Niamh recognised her own practice in the course content:

📌explaining tasks step by step
📌adapting to different learners
📌checking understanding
📌supporting people with confidence

What changed was her ability to:

📌name what she was doing
📌 understand why it worked
📌plan training more confidently
📌evaluate learning outcomes

With tutor support, she realised she hadn’t been “winging it” all along — she had been training effectively, just without the language or qualification to support it.

📢"I realised I wasn't an imposter - I was an unqualified professional."

What happened next: confidence and credibility ...

As Niamh progressed through her Level 6 training, Niamh’s confidence grew.

She felt comfortable:

📌introducing herself as a trainer
📌 explaining her role clearly
📌standing over her knowledge and approach
📌responding calmly when asked about her qualifications

When training others, she no longer second-guessed herself.

She had:

📌experience
📌structure
📌and a recognised qualification to support her role

📢"Having the qualification didn't change what I did - it changed how I felt about doing it."

Outcome: recognised, confident, and credible ...

Niamh didn’t suddenly become someone new. She became more confident being who she already was.

By completing QQI Level 6 Training and Development Award at Lir, she:

📌formalised years of experience
📌 reduced imposter syndrome
📌gained professional credibility
📌felt confident training others openly and professionally

For Niamh, the qualification wasn’t about permission — it was about confidence and recognition.

If Niamh's story feels familiar…

If you’re already training, mentoring, or supporting others at work — but feel uncomfortable being questioned about qualifications — you’re not alone.

Many experienced professionals choose Lir Business Services & Training Centre's QQI Level 6 Training & Development courses to:

📌validate their experience
📌 gain confidence and credibility
📌formalise the role they’re already doing

👉 Explore QQI Level 6 Training & Development Award (comprises of two separate modules)