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3S251 Career Guide

Air Force

3S251: Education and Training Manager

Career transition guide for Air Force Education and Training Manager (3S251)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3S251 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Training and Development Specialist

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM or ATD certificationsE-learning software proficiency (Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate)

Instructional Designer

$82K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced knowledge of instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM)Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS)Multimedia development skills

Corporate Trainer

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized industry knowledgeExcellent presentation and communication skillsNeeds assessment and evaluation techniques

Human Resources Specialist

$65K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR)Knowledge of employment law and regulationsRecruiting and onboarding experience

Technical Writer

$72K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Technical writing certificationProficiency in technical documentation softwareAbility to translate complex information into easy-to-understand language

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3S251 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 3S251, you develop and evaluate E&T programs by applying the instructional system development (ISD) process, essentially creating models of how learning occurs and how training should be structured.

This ability to model complex systems translates directly into designing effective strategies and workflows in various business environments. You can visualize and optimize processes to achieve desired outcomes.

Resource Optimization

You determine the most cost-effective method to deliver E&T, sequence objectives, select instructional design, methods, and media, and identify resource needs, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for training programs.

Your experience in optimizing resources for training translates to skills in budget management, project planning, and strategic allocation of assets to maximize efficiency and impact within civilian organizations.

After-Action Analysis

The role involves evaluating E&T programs, recommending corrective actions, and overseeing evaluations and surveys to improve future training sessions.

Your ability to analyze the effectiveness of programs and implement improvements positions you well for roles requiring continuous improvement and strategic planning. You're adept at identifying what works, what doesn't, and how to enhance outcomes.

Procedural Compliance

You implement policies, coordinate changes, and develop and manage reporting procedures to ensure that E&T programs adhere to Air Force standards and regulations.

This experience showcases your ability to adhere to and enforce standards and regulations. In the civilian world, this is extremely useful in compliance and regulatory roles across many different fields.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Management Consultant

SOC 13-1111

You've been developing and evaluating training programs, which means you're skilled at analyzing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions. As a management consultant, you'll use these skills to help businesses optimize their operations and achieve their goals.

Technical Writer

SOC 27-3042

You've developed training materials, meaning you have a knack for explaining complex topics clearly and concisely. As a technical writer, you'll use these skills to create documentation, user manuals, and other materials that help people understand and use technical products and services.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been implementing policies and coordinating changes to ensure that E&T programs adhere to standards and regulations. This experience translates directly into a role as a compliance officer, where you'll be responsible for ensuring that an organization follows all applicable laws and regulations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Education and Training Initial Skills Course, Sheppard AFB

192 training hours5 weeks3 semester hours in Educational Methods

Topics Covered

  • Instructional System Design (ISD)
  • Curriculum Development
  • Training Program Management
  • Education Services Administration
  • Training Needs Analysis
  • Evaluation and Assessment Techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM)70% covered

Specific business and financial aspects of training management, ROI calculations, and advanced leadership strategies.

Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)65% covered

Requires deeper understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design theories. Review the latest techniques in needs analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation.

Association for Talent Development (ATD) Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)60% covered

Requires demonstrated expertise in specific areas of talent development, such as coaching, knowledge management, or performance improvement. Study these areas using the ATD Body of Knowledge.

Recommended Next Certifications

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)Project Management Professional (PMP)SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Training Management System (AFTMS)Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle
Automated Training Records Management System (e.g., a module within AFTMS)Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) with training management capabilities, like Workday or SAP SuccessFactors
Curriculum Development Tools (ADDIE Model based)Instructional Design Software like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Lectora
Air Force Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP)Job competency models and skills management platforms
Training Needs Assessment (TNA) tools and methodologiesSkills gap analysis software and employee survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey)
Defense Collaboration Services (DCS)Collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Slack
Multimedia Development Tools (for creating training materials)Video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro), graphic design tools (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator), and animation software

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