Trainers may work in offices, classrooms, workshops, or outdoors depending on the subjects they teach. Trainers usually travel to clients' workplaces, which may be in offices, clients' homes or at schools. They may travel around New Zealand and overseas in the course of their work.

Trainers use a range of equipment depending on the subjects they teach. Equipment may include:

• computers and software
• audio-visual equipment
• training manuals
• office equipment such as a phones and fax machines
• outdoor and sporting equipment
• workshop equipment such as wood-working and mechanical tools.

Trainers usually work regular office hours, but may also do evening and weekend work, depending on the needs of their clients. Consultant trainers often work very flexible hours. Traditionally there is a high demand for training during June (towards the end of the financial year) and less demand around the Christmas holiday period.

Trainers may do one-on-one training, hold small workshops or run seminars for larger groups of people. 

They may have contact with a wide range of people, including:

• middle to senior managers of corporate organisations
• human resource staff
• information technology staff
• local agencies 
• students.

They also work closely with other trainers when, for example, co-facilitating or co-presenting sessions.