Pitman Training...........

[Deleted User]

Just wondering I am looking to get an administration qualification & have seem this one advertised - I am in Scotland so just wondering what would be the best kind of training for me to get which would help me get a better administration job?

Thanks dxxx

Caroline_a

Which qualification? Pitman is the company that awards the qualification, but there are many different types!

[Deleted User]

Doh sorry!

Its the secretarial diploma

http://www.pitman-training.com/Courses/secretarial-and-shorthand-training/secretarial-diploma

I'm just wondering would I be better just going to an actual college on an evening class or is this recognised well in this industry?

Thanks Dxxx

Caroline_a

That looks a good course. I did Pitmans typing and shorthand quals years ago, always stood me in good stead. The only thing I would say is what sort of admin do you want to do? Do you want to be a PA? or more generalistic stuff, etc.

[Deleted User]

In the long term I would love to be a PA.

Dxxx

brightonman123

I recently did the ITQ (what was ECDL 'Extra') - always good to update Word / Excel / Powerpoint skills..

I cant speak for costs, though- was funded through jobcentre!

[Deleted User]

Well this secretarial diploma is like 2.5k!!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeek will be a couple of years before that happens

Dxxx

Caroline_a

Ok, my advice to you would be to make sure your typing speeds are good and that you take as many free courses for Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook. I learnt most of my skills which are fairly advanced by doing some long-term temp work. At each role there were different things to learn, mail merges, excel spreadsheet work with formula, presentations, etc. Eventually you build up a bank of knowledge which gives you the edge for interviews, and also if you are temping you are often in the best place to try out for more advanced roles.

Do remember though that much PA work is quite 'dogsbody'ish. One of my duties in my last role was to fetch the boss's lunch - EVERY Day!! I've also had to write several hundred Christmas cards (by hand...), sort out home stuff, childmind on occasions, and a friend of mine in a very senior PA role once had to clear up after the boss's dog had an accident in one of the offices!

Good luck!

t0rt0ise

If you want to do a recognised admin course then you really need an NVQ. They do levels 2,3 and 4. I did level 4 some years ago and it has stood me in good stead for admin roles as they often seem to ask for at least NVQ 3.

**Juice**

I think a colleague of mine did this course or something very similar a few years ago - she was already a really experienced PA so a lot of it was stuff she already knew and she found it a bit boring.

I would get your RSA typing qualifications and an NVQ if you're eligible - these are recognised and quite often asked for in roles. I think with PA roles being able to show you're organised, able to work using your own initiative and don't mind doing bits of all sorts goes miles in a PA role.

[Deleted User]

Im gonna get saving up & do the Secretarial Diploma me thinks!

Dxxx