"Was trained" is a phrase that indicates that someone has received instruction or education in a particular subject or skill. There are several synonyms you can use to replace this phrase, based on the context in which it is used. For example, "was coached" suggests that the person received individualized guidance, while "was instructed" implies that the person received formal teaching. Other synonyms include "was educated," "was tutored," "was mentored," and "was apprenticed." Each of these synonyms has a slightly different connotation, but all indicate that someone has received some form of training or instruction in a particular area.