Train the trainer 2026

Are you passionate about Wikipedia and free knowledge? Would you like to help more people gain the confidence and skills to contribute?

Wikimedia UK is inviting expressions of interest for our fully funded Train the Trainer (TtT) 2026 programme which starts in September. TtT is  a practical, supportive course for people who want to run Wikipedia editing events and help grow welcoming, confident contributor communities across the UK.

Whether you are already an experienced editor or are developing your knowledge of Wikimedia projects, this programme will give you the tools, resources and support to introduce others to editing Wikipedia and contributing to the wider Wikimedia movement.

Expressions of interest close on 13 July 2026.

Help make open knowledge more inclusive

Volunteer trainers are central to Wikimedia UK’s work. They help people from all backgrounds understand, access and contribute to Wikimedia projects, creating spaces where new and existing editors can learn, ask questions and take part.

By running events online, in person or in hybrid formats, our trainers support communities across the country to share knowledge, improve representation and address gaps in the information available online. Their work helps ensure that Wikimedia projects are more welcoming, more diverse and more reflective of the world we live in.

As a Wikimedia UK volunteer trainer, you may deliver events introduced by Wikimedia UK, build relationships in your own networks and communities, and develop your own ideas for Wiki editing events.

About the course

TtT will prepare you to deliver a standard Introduction to Wikipedia edit-a-thon, alongside other Wiki editing and open knowledge events.

The programme begins with a four-week, self-led online course on WikiLearn, followed by an introductory online session and two days of in-person training in Birmingham. You will learn practical facilitation skills, explore how to create inclusive learning environments, practise delivering training and meet other members of Wikimedia UK’s trainer community.

After completing the course, you will be supported through our mentorship scheme. You will be matched with an experienced Wikimedia UK accredited trainer who can offer guidance during your first year, alongside access to ongoing training, resources and a community of fellow volunteers.

Attendance at all sessions and completion of the WikiLearn course are essential.

Key dates

• From 13 September: Four-week self-led WikiLearn course, requiring around 1-2 hours per week
• Thursday 15 October, 18:00 – 20:30: Online introductory session
• Saturday 17 October 2026, 10:00 – 16:00: In-person Train the Trainer, Day One, Birmingham
• Sunday 18 October 2026, 10:00 – 16:00: In-person Train the Trainer, Day Two, Birmingham – including skills practice and an opportunity to meet the existing trainer community

What you can expect from Wikimedia UK

We want our volunteer trainers to feel confident, supported and equipped to succeed. Participants will receive:

• Fully funded access to the in-person training in Birmingham
• Training and support to deliver Introduction to Wikipedia edit-a-thons and similar events
• Access to event materials and resources
• Ongoing training, peer support and mentorship
• Reimbursement of reasonable volunteer expenses, where appropriate
• References on request, reflecting your volunteer contribution and experience

What we ask of you

In return, we ask that you:

• Have familiarity with, and an interest in deepening your knowledge of, Wikimedia projects, particularly Wikipedia
• Attend the full Train the Trainer programme and complete the self-led WikiLearn course
• Lead or support a minimum of two training events each year, including a mix of events referred by Wikimedia UK and those you develop through your own networks
• Remain responsive to communications from Wikimedia UK staff, fellow volunteers and event organisers, particularly in the lead-up to events
• Complete basic reporting and evaluation after your events
• Represent Wikimedia UK positively while volunteering
• Follow Wikimedia UK’s Safe Spaces Policy and Code of Conduct

Please note that some training opportunities may take place during standard office hours.

Who should apply?

We welcome expressions of interest from people across the UK who are excited by the possibility of helping others contribute to free and open knowledge.

We are particularly keen to hear from people from groups that remain underrepresented within Wikimedia projects and the wider open knowledge movement, including Black, Asian and other minoritised communities; women; and LGBTQ+ people.

You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. What matters most is a commitment to learning, a belief in the value of open knowledge and an enthusiasm for helping others take part.

How to express your interest

Places are limited so that every participant can receive meaningful feedback, support and opportunities to practise their skills. So please complete the expression of interest form by 13 July 2026 to secure your place. 

We also expect to interview shortlisted candidates during the week of 13 July 2026.

Need this information in a different format, or an alternative way to submit your expression of interest? Please contact rupal.karia@wikimedia.org.uk

Help more people find their place in the Wikimedia movement. Apply to Train the Trainer 2026 today!