Secretarial Diploma

Name: Secretarial Diploma
Author: admin

The great skills needed for a rewarding secretarial or administrative job.

Gone are the days when being a secretary meant simply taking care of the typing, filing and answering of phones. Today, a great secretary is central to the smooth running of any business, ensuring day-to-day activities happen in the most efficient manner. With our Secretarial Diploma you’ll learn the essential skills to be a highly regarded Secretary or Personal Assistant, working under pressure and prioritising workloads which allow executives and managers to work more effectively.

Essential secretarial skills that employers are looking for.

If you’re keen to gain a job working as a Secretary or Administrator you’ll require excellent skills in IT, organisation, good composure, flexibility, plus strong interpersonal and communication abilities. This diploma is designed to develop your keyboard speeds, teach you how to master the most common business software packages, and give you excellent communication techniques. You’ll also be able to choose from a number of elective subjects to complement your diploma. Overall, the Secretarial Diploma is an excellent course as the opportunities for a highly qualified secretary are endless. The role of a secretary is absolutely pivotal to any organisation’s success, with the skills you learn being transferable across many different industries.

Course Info

Duration 190 hours flexi study or 8 weeks full-time (Full-time based on approx 20-30 hours a week)

Training Type Diploma

Study Type In centre, Online

Awards & Qualifications

Awarded 190 CPD points upon successful completion

Is this course right for me?

This diploma will give you a great grounding in essential secretarial skills. The training is hands-on and practical, so you can be confident of being able to apply your new skills straightaway in the workplace.

This diploma is ideal for those new to this profession or those who want to refresh their secretarial skills.

What will you get in return?

A Pitman Training diploma is one of the most prestigious courses you can complete from one of the most highly regarded training organisations across the world. Businesses recognise the Pitman Training name as a sign that you have been trained to the very highest level. With your Secretarial Diploma, you’ll have world class skills to get a job as a highly valued, well paid secretary.

Awarded 190 CPD points upon successful completion

Duration 190 hours flexi study or 8 weeks full-time (Full-time based on approx 20-30 hours a week)

Course Content

Core Courses

Typaz and Typaz Speed

In just 25 hours, typing speeds of 20-40+ words per minute are perfectly achievable, even if you have little prior experience. You’ll also receive guidance on ergonomics, technique and accuracy. Building your speed and accuracy, our Typaz Speed touch-typing course will take you to speeds of 40-60 words per minute.

Or Typaz Professional

For those needing high proficiency at touch-typing and keyboard skills. The course lasts up to 40 hours and includes the alpha-numeric keys and high-end learning materials.

Effective Business Communication

This excellent course will raise your game when it comes to business communication skills, which are often top of the list of qualities demanded by employers.

Word

Our Microsoft Word course is designed to provide you with the essential skills you will need to be proficient in Word, in a work environment, in as short a time as possible.

Or Word Expert

This training in Microsoft Word will propel your Word skills forward to an advanced level. Over several lessons, you’ll become confident in a range of Word’s more sophisticated features.

Excel

Microsoft Excel is the world’s most popular spreadsheet program. This course is suitable for beginner to intermediate level. Over a series of self-paced lessons you’ll learn how to format your spreadsheet to best display your information, handle simple and complex formulas, insert charts, learn how to insert functions such as IFERROR and much more.

Or Excel Expert

Our Excel Expert level course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to use this popular spreadsheet program to an advanced level. You’ll learn how to perform tasks such as conditional formatting, recording and running macros, working with pivot tables and using statistical functions.

PowerPoint

Our PowerPoint training course will help you get to grips with this comprehensive presentation software. Flexible to study, you can choose the version of Microsoft Office you wish to study on.

Outlook

This flexible study Outlook course takes you through everything you need to use this popular email system as a work tool, from navigation and views through contacts and appointments, to tasks and folders.

Successful Meetings and Minutes

Taking clear and accurate minutes is a core task for any office admin, secretarial or PA job. This course will teach you all of the skills and techniques you need to take the stress out of minute taking.

Or Meetings and Minutes Seminar

This one-day tutor-led seminar is one of our most popular seminars ideal for anyone involved in organising meetings and taking notes at those meetings. You’ll learn how to prepare ahead of the meeting, how to take minutes and work effectively post-meeting to maximise your effectiveness and help manage your time successfully.

Audio Transcription

Audio Transcription is a valuable skill to gain, with applications in many industry sectors. This course will help you learn how to operate audio transcribing equipment and become proficient in document transcription.

Or Marketing Essentials

Over four lessons you’ll cover topics such as understanding what a marketing plan is, how to carry out appropriate research, how websites are designed to market the company, effective advertising and the four Ps of marketing products.

Elective Courses (choose two)

Speedwriting
Access
Word Expert
Health and Safety Essentials

(Alternative subjects may be chosen if more suitable to your existing skills and career.)

Course Overview

Aims and Objectives

The Pitman Training Secretarial Diploma is designed to teach you a core set of secretarial skills that employers look for in their support/administrative staff.

Career path

As the name of this diploma suggests, with this certification on your CV you could look to work as a Secretary, Senior Administrator or Office Administrator-type role. From here you could enhance your career progression and aim for roles such as PA, EA, VA or Office Manager. Or, you could look to work in a more specialist field as a Medical Secretary or Legal Secretary for example.

Pre-Requisites

There are no formal pre-requisites required for this diploma.

April 2024

April 19 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Macros Deep Dive

Macros Deep Dive

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

April 22 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Word Intermediate

Word Intermediate

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

April 23 Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom +2 more

April 23 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Word Introduction

Word Introduction

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

April 23 - April 24 Presentation Skills – 2-day workshop

Presentation Skills – 2-day workshop

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

April 24 - April 25 Executive PA – 2-day workshop

Executive PA – 2-day workshop

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

April 26 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Meetings and Minutes

Meetings and Minutes

Virtual Classroom

April 26 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Time Management

Time Management

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

April 29 - April 30 Microsoft Project Complete – 2-day course

Microsoft Project Complete – 2-day course

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

April 29 - April 30 Project Management Principles

Project Management Principles

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 2024

May 1 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Better Business Writing

Better Business Writing

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 2 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Personal Development Workshops

Personal Development Workshops

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Testimonials

Julie related ‘real life’ situations which I could relate to.

Paul – Problem Manager – Communication Skills

Communication Skills, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

If it wasn’t for my training at Pitman Training I would not have been qualified for the job, but because of the Legal Secretarial course, I now have all the skills to be able to carry out my duties. I had been out of work for some time and the course also gave me a the confidence to go out there and find a job that I enjoy and have the hours that fit in with my daughter’s schooling.

N G – Legal Secretary

Private Individuals

After having completed the Secretarial Diploma, I have managed to get a job at the Royal Bank of Scotland. I would like to thank you for the fantastic training I have had, and have recommended Pitman Training to several people.

S W – Secretary

Private Individuals

“I just want to thank you and your staff for all the help you offered me while I was studying my Executive PA Diploma at Pitman in Glasgow.
Before doing my training with Pitman I had studied ACCA but did not have much work experience, by doing the course I gained valuable skills that are now helping me at my new job at one of the big accountancy firms.
What I liked best about the course was flexibility of the course, I was able to choose the time and hours I did the course. The staff were very helpful and I will not hesitate to recommend this course to any of my friends.
Thank you again for all your help.”

SK – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, Private Individuals

“I had worked in Lettings Management for over six years and decided to have a complete career change. Pitman Training offered a legal secretarial course which I was able to complete in two and a half months full time and in less than two weeks of completion of the course, I found work.
I registered with a few recruitment agencies but also sent my CV to law firms directly. I am now working as a PA for the main partner of a law firm and training as a paralegal.
Thanks to Pitman and the team at the Edinburgh office, who have been very helpful, I am thankful and happy embarking on my new career.”

RA – Legal Secretarial Diploma

Legal Secretarial, Private Individuals

The course was relaxed, friendly and inclusive. The tutor was experienced and comfortable with answering questions raised not phased by anything.

Linda – Personal Assistant – Executive PA Seminar

Executive PA Seminar, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Excellent trainer. Knowledgeable with a very pleasant and helpful manner.

Julie – Manager – Outlook

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Outlook Seminar

The small group to tutor ratio was very helpful. It was at a great location, lunch was a treat, the training was well-paced and clear. The trainer was very patient, not patronising (a relief) and very helpful.

Paula – Assistant Visitor Experience Manager – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

‘Couldn’t improve, one of the best courses I have ever attended.”

Susan K—–Director—-The PA Exchange

Organisations Testimonials, Presentation Skills

Knowledgeable, Approachable and effective communicator.

Margaret – Care home manager – Assertiveness

Assertiveness, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Marion was excellent. Kept us all motivated. Structured the session well. Looking forward to attending another one of Marions training workshop.

Natalie – Executive Assistant – Report Writing

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Report Writing

I successfully completed Executive PA Diploma at Pitman in 2013. With the help of Pitman training I also gained Microsoft 2010 Master Qualification which enabled me to become a confident and proficient administrator in record times.

DT – Executive PA Diploma

“The skills I have learned by doing the course have helped with my confidence and ability to carry out tasks quicker and easier. I was frustrated with my lack of knowledge of the various Microsoft packages and was convinced that there ‘must be an easier way’ of doing things. Not only did I brush up on my Word skills, my office skills got a complete overhaul and without a doubt, they helped me get the job I’m in now.
I proved to myself that I’m never too old to learn and that there’s always a need to update skills throughout your working career regardless of how long you’ve been in a role.
I was working in a recruitment agency on a part time basis and had finished the Pitman course when I saw the job on S1 jobs web site. I sent in my cv and went for an interview. Following the interview I sent a thank you letter which was one of the skills learnt in ‘Go Get That Job’. I was successful in getting the role and I subsequently found out that they were so impressed that I’d sent a thank you letter that they offered me the job over someone else who was equally qualified. Such a simple thing to do but very effective.
I would thoroughly recommend anyone to do a course at Pitman, whether it is a comprehensive course such as the Executive PA course or a single subject course. Not only has the organisation been going a long time and has built up an enviable reputation, but I also found the flexible method of learning suited my situation as I was working part time and was able to wrap the course hours around my job. The supervisory staff were very helpful and approachable and did their best to help you out.”

SH – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, General Diploma, Private Individuals

“The training and facilities were both excellent.Callum was both patient and understanding to my level of knowledge.The course has certainly benefited me and in turn, my work.”

Excel Level 2 Lesley Allan——Sales Coordinator—–George Wimpey

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

“I have completed two Diplomas at Pitman Training, first the Secretarial Diploma, and then the Accounts Technician Diploma with AAT.
I was at School before training began, started Pitman in the final year of school through my mum’s suggestion and finished training just before I got my University degree.
As I was at University during the peak of the economic crisis it was emphasised to us by every tutor/lecturer that just having a degree is not enough for you to stand out from the crowd in the job market. That extra skills and experience are essential.
I was studying economics and finance at university, so after completing the Secretarial Diploma for computer/admin skills I thought it would be a good idea to get some financial related qualification from Pitman.
The training has helped me enormously with University assignments and essay writing. It allowed me to make the most of the Microsoft applications, and therefore produce the best work I could. The touch typing skills I learnt are exceedingly useful, it cuts out so much time and now requires minimal effort to type up my thoughts/information, the words are on the screen pretty much the instant my brain thinks them.
Having Excel and Excel Expert has helped me in too many ways to count. In part-time jobs, I was able to provide a high standard of work and also impress managers by surpassing what is expected of me with computer related tasks. It also opened doors to new responsibilities in my work that wouldn’t have been given to me if I wasn’t so capable in Microsoft.
I am now working at an Architects as an Accounts Assistant. Every day I am using the skills that I learnt including Sage and Microsoft in particular Excel. I have no doubt that my qualifications in and ability to demonstrate knowledge helped me to get the job and pass the skills tests GLM set me as part of the interview process.
The staff at Pitman Training are amazing and will always do anything to help you learn, and they do it gladly, and I cannot fault them in any way.
Pitman has helped me with my transitioning from an aimless school girl to a professional young adult, through the time I have spent there.
I now feel prepared for the real world and look forward to having a successful career in finance, all thanks to Pitman for allowing me to get my foot in the job market door.”

RO – Scretarial/Book-keeping Diploma

Book-Keeping, General Diploma, Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

“The course exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to all my colleagues and will let our training department know that it was excellent”

Bob—–Co-ordinator—–Voluntary Sector

Organisations Testimonials, Time Management

“After a change in my personal circumstances in 2012, I decided I wanted a complete change in career and decided to study as a Medical Secretary, opting to take the full diploma at Pitman Training. I previously worked in the Newspaper & Magazine industry, and had done so for 10 years so this was quite a drastic change for me! My most recent role was as an Account Manager for a 3rd Party Retail Consultancy Company. Having not been to university, almost all of my experience had been picked up at work and therefore to move in to a new specialised career was going to be very difficult without some form of qualification.
After doing a lot of research I decided that Pitman had exactly the course I wanted and an excellent reputation so I knew I would be in good hands. From the very first time I went in to sign up to the course, right through to the completion, the team were so helpful and friendly, ready to help with any problems and provide support.
I had already completed 60% of the course when I discovered I was being made redundant from my current role. Whilst obviously a big shock, I had been planning to leave in any case. Whilst working out my notice at my job, I was applying elsewhere and was offered some contract work at Spire Murrayfield hospital within their Medical Secretary team. This will provide me with invaluable experience and an opportunity to put all my study to use in a new and exciting career.
I know for a fact none of this would have been possible without the qualification and support from the Pitman team at Edinburgh.”

VH – Medical Secretary Diploma

General Diploma, Medical, Private Individuals

I loved that the trainer had done the role and understands the job and what is needed. Excellent!

Nicola – Office Administrator – Meertings and Minutes

General PD, Meetings and Minutes, Organisations Testimonials

Training was excellent – very knowledgeable and able to answer questions and provide examples.

Dawn – Information and Knowledge Manager – Project Management Principles

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Project Management

I believe that the only reason I was granted an interview let alone being offered this position, is because I had enrolled for your course at Pitman Training, Edinburgh.

F C – Medical Secretary

Private Individuals

‘’Just to thank you again for the excellent course. It was at just the right level and I really appreciated being able to attend without having done the previous one.Too many courses insist on a progression through levels with certificates rather than accepting experience. Callum presented the course at a very good pace giving plenty of time for questions.Definitely the best computing related course I have attended!’’

Excel level 2 C M——-National Trainer

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

“I studied the Microsoft Fast Track Diploma and the computer keyboard skills course two years ago. At the time I was completing my Open University degree, and panicking because I had to submit a properly- bound word-processed project, including diagrams taken from scientific journals and I barely knew how to switch the computer on! In my first session I was advised to undertake the introduction to Windows course first because I didn’t have even the very basics.
Having overcome that first hurdle, I really enjoyed the course. The supervisors were really helpful and patient, and never made me feel that I was being stupid, even when I was! I got a distinction for the diploma, and first class honours for the degree. I am now studying for an MSc at Edinburgh University, and I don’t know how I’d cope without the IT skills I gained through the diploma. Even though I’ve forgotten a lot of what I learned through lack of use, I feel I have so much more confidence to try things I would not have attempted before.
My typing speed will never set the world alight, but compared to my former two-fingered jabbing it’s brilliant. Even my teenage daughters have stopped laughing at my efforts!
Thanks to Pitman for a real confidence boost!”

GD – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

“Great Knowledge on subject. Friendly and relaxed throughout. Excellent!”

Word Introduction Andy McDougall—–National MuseumsScotland

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

“I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you most sincerely for finding me a place on the course. I have to say to you that I found the course totally inspirational. I have been on many courses, some dreadful and some ok, but none came anywhere near to the quality delivered by Pitman Training. The Trainer was so energetic, enthusiastic, very knowledgeable, friendly and adaptable to our needs – no wonder you heard the hoots of laughter from the course room, everyone was just enjoying it so much. It was a great group as well, lots of characters and this helped as well.
Our Trainer kept us totally captivated for 3 days and that’s no easy task when delivering – she is a gem. If I could be a Trainer with even half her ability I would be delighted.”

Derek Walker ——Project Manager

Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

“The Fast Track diploma helped me no end. I managed to find a job in a major financial player and the confidence given to me through the relevant courses were valuable. A helpful staff and a flexible time to do the course in were key as it can be suited to everyone. I found a new job in just 2 weeks!”

MO – Fast Track Diploma

Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

They seemed to be so impressed that I had been at Pitman Training to do the training. I cannot believe how doing one course can transform your job area.

J M – Management Support Officer

Private Individuals

Very good training and very good facilities. The trainer was very competent, friendly, engaging and welcoming, very patient and good manner.

Andrea – Trainee Administrator – Excel

Excel Seminars, IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

“I studied the Fast Track Microsoft Skills Diploma and touch typing. Before my training with Pitman I was unemployed as I had been made redundant. Within 4 months of starting my training I got a job working as Receptionist/Admin for The Edinburgh Physiotherapy Centre. I was successful in my application over other applicants due to the training I was doing and my boss was very impressed with the knowledge and skills I had learned with Pitman.
I was promoted to Operations manager within 6 months this was partly due to my knowledge base of Microsoft Office.
I thought the training I received with Pitman was second to none and would recommend your services to anyone. The service is excellent and the staff are very helpful and understanding. Thanks to the excellent service and training of Pitman I am now more confident and efficient at my job.”

NG – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

I would have no hesitation in recommending Pitman Training to anyone who has an interest in investing in their personal development

C N – Executive Assistant

Private Individuals

“I first enrolled for a computer course in January 2013, I only had very limited knowledge and knew I had to get more advanced skills. I started with word then decided I was enjoying my course and chatted with Linda the Manager regarding what options I should take and that would be best for me in the working environment, so we decided on Office Diploma.
I had just been made redundant from the Airline Industry, which had been my life for the last twelve years, so I knew I wanted to change my career. I had realised that IT skills are so important as I had now started looking for work and realised very quickly that the job market was very competitive.
I have not mentioned this till now but I am visually impaired and have been since birth so having a disability makes it even more difficult for employers to consider employing a disabled person, when so many abled bodied people are available so the training I received was incredible, the one to one help that the Glasgow ladies gave me was amazing I am surprised I never turned them to drink, but nothing fazed them they provided me with Zoom text and large print books and test papers. I was not very successful at school and the thought of taking exams really scared me but they sat me down and told me I could do it just take my time and they were right I managed to complete my Diploma.
I am now working for a charity called Momentum on the east side of Glasgow on a six months contract which was arrange through another charity to give me some office experience.
I enjoyed every day in the Glasgow office such a lovely atmosphere and such kindness that I was shown was just incredible and gave me a new found confidence.
Thank you team Glasgow, you’re the best.”

DB – Word and Microsoft Office Plus Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

“When I first came to see you I found myself aged 50 with no skills to offer the modern workplace and I had no idea how I would earn a living and support myself financially. I decided to undertake the Legal Secretarial Diploma and, at first, it felt like I had such a huge mountain to climb. However, I kept reminding myself of that well worn quote that, even the longest journey begins with one small step. I was able to study as and when I could and fit it around all the personal changes that were going on in my life.
With the patience, help and support and encouragement of everyone at Pitman I gained my diploma. However, I wasn’t sure if being a legal secretary was what I wanted to do so I decided to temp for a while to gain experience and ‘test the waters’. Since then, I have been a Medical Secretary, Office Manager in a very busy recruitment consultancy and, more recently, Administrator in a small firm of quantity surveyors.
At the end of last year I decided to start looking for a permanent post and have just been offered a part-time position as Audio Typist/Medical Secretary. This will bring together my previous nursing experience and knowledge of medical terminology with all that I have learned at Pitman and consolidated while temping.
I have such fond memories of the training room and found all the staff to be friendly and helpful. I would recommend the courses to anyone and wish I had discovered Pitman years ago. Big thanks to you all.”

JG – Legal Secretarial Diploma

Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

Very useful, customised experience, highly recommended.

Sam – Programme Officer – Project Management Principles

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Project Management

“I enrolled with Pitman in August 2008, having been made redundant from my job as a Legal Secretary in July 2008. I studied the Pitman Upgrade to Fast Track Microsoft Skills Diploma. When I returned to work in 2000 having raised my family, I was unfamiliar with computers I undertook a very basic computer course and was lucky to be offered a part time job with a local Solicitors, but I always felt there was so much more to Word and Excel that I did not know. Having spent six months at Pitman doing the above course, I was lucky enough to get a part time job as a typist/receptionist with W R Hall, Chartered Surveyors. Although this job is very different to my last one, I have been able to make use of the skills I learned on your course, especially with Word and Excel.
Having been a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau for many years, in August 2009 I was offered an admin job. I needed to use Access and could confidently do this having completed my training in that as well. I now have two part time jobs which keeps me very busy! I feel sure that I would not have been offered the second admin job if I had not learned Access, as this takes up a great part of my working hours.
I really enjoyed my time at Pitman. The staff were really friendly and helpful and it was a very professional environment to be in. It certainly got me through the six months I was unemployed, as it felt almost like going out to work on the days I attended the Training Centre.”

HG – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

“I have completed a number of with Pitman Training since 2007, including ECDL course and the MCSA.

I have always found the staff at the training centre to be very helpful, friendly and supportive, in particular John whose help, advice and technical expertise has been an invaluable resource to me throughout my MCSA.

Prior to doing the course I had very little computer experience and was working as a Stockroom Supervisor but in May this year after completing my second last exam I managed to secure my first full time position in IT as an IT Assistant with a well known Scottish charity.”

SH – IT Assistant

IT Technical, Private Individuals

The training course helped me to build on my degree and specialise in Microsoft Skills to help me find employment in the computer support and administration industry. I enjoyed being able to get a “hands on” approach from the course.

M H – IT Systems Administrator

Private Individuals

I have a job with the Inland Revenue as a Revenue Assistant. I enjoyed your course’s flexibility the most, as it was at my own pace.

J M – Inland Revenue Assistant

Private Individuals

“I wanted to work in an area where I would be able to help people and make a difference and I thought that a career as a medical secretary in the NHS would fit the bill perfectly – I could use my previous secretarial and admin experience plus I would be helping to support a team in a patient-centred environment. To make this career change, I would need some knowledge of medical terminology and also how the medical secretarial role would work in practice, plus also upgrading my IT skills – the courses with Pitman’s were ideal.
I really enjoyed my courses at Pitman Training. As I had no previous medical secretary experience, I think the fact that I had completed the medical secretary introduction and medical audio transcription courses helped my application to stand out so that I was shortlisted for interview. Also, I needed to get my IT skills, such as Excel, PowerPoint and Access, bang up to date, which again will help my performance when I’m actually in my new job.
I really appreciated the flexibility of the courses and when I was finally given my redundancy from my previous employers and had the time to fully devote to my studies, I was able to knuckle down and get everything completed fairly quickly. It was also very good discipline for me to have the routine of going into the Pitman’s office every day. I found the Pitman staff very friendly and helpful at all times, and I appreciated being known on first name terms by them. The materials themselves were quite easy to work through, even areas where I had very little previous experience, such as Access and the more advanced functions of Excel – to be honest I was quite nervous at tackling these and it was great for my confidence to get through these courses without too much difficulty.”

CB – Medical and Microsoft Office

Medical, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

“I left school in 2010 with 3 A-Levels and the opportunity to study at a top university. After a year working in retail alongside unfortunate periods of ill-health stemming from a medical condition that I was born with, I decided that university just wouldn’t suit me. The decision to ‘skip’ the university step lead me to Pitman Training.
I studied for the Executive PA Diploma, starting in September 2011 and completing by April 2012. My electives were Marketing, PR and Advertising. I studied Teeline shorthand and attended the Executive PA seminar.
Following completion of the Executive PA Diploma, I was immediately signed to Office Angels’ temp books and quickly became their most requested temps. I worked for a variety of organisations including law firms, wealth management firms, business centres, health centres and accountancy bodies. I even did a bit of events work for music gigs which was great fun. My last assignment with Office Angels was an Administrator/PA position at the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAS). After three months I was offered a full-time, permanent position.
I was an Administrator/PA at ICAS for 15 months and I used all of my Pitman skills on a daily basis. I have now just started a new job as Secretary to the Edinburgh Residential sales team at Knight Frank, a global organisation which presents huge opportunities for my career going forwards. I see myself working for Knight Frank for many years to come.
Without my qualification and skills gained through the Executive PA Diploma I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today. The staff at York Place were incredibly kind and helpful and made the training environment a very happy one. The flexible approach to study proved invaluable especially during periods of ill health. I am pleased to say that I am happy, healthy and loving living in Edinburgh and working full-time – something we never thought would be possible a couple of years ago.
I would recommend the Executive PA Diploma to absolutely anybody. Not only do you learn many new computer skills – even as a fairly ‘tecchy’ person – but you actually learn a lot about yourself and where your strengths/weaknesses lie. I found the Executive PA Seminar particularly helpful as it gave me a real insight into the life of a high-level PA. My decision not to go to university was definitely not an easy one and it was daunting at first but I’m so pleased with where my career is at now. I’m very fortunate to have a full-time, permanent job in the current market when so many of my friends are struggling to find a job after 3 years at university.”

AL – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, General Diploma, Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

The trainer was very good, explained everything clearly and answered questions well. The content of the course was at a good level for introduction.

Alison – Project Manager – Access

Access Seminars, IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

Before Pitman I was not working and was finding it difficult to get job. My lack of computer experience was the major factor. Then a friend recommended Pitman Training to me. Since then my life has dramatically changed from worse to better.
As soon as I completed my studies at Pitman and was about to go to Napier University, I got a job as Fulfilment Officer at Help The Age on part time basis. Pitman Training has helped me in so many ways. It made me very confident in the use PC, my knowledge in Finance has improved a lot due to the practical aspects involved in the studies of which you cannot get in university. I was so confident in the use of sage accounting, purchases and sales ledger invoice processing and accounts reconciliations.
I got my first job three days after completing my studies and since I have had a number temporary jobs due my Pitman qualification. I have worked with HBOS, Quayle Munro Ltd-Investment Banking, City of Edinburgh Council, Action Group and SSPCA, all on temporary basis as Finance Officer since I left Pitman.
I have now secured a permanent employment as Development Finance Administrator with National Trust of Scotland. I got this job because of what I achieved in Pitman as my Line Manager commented. Without Pitman I would not have reached where I am today. God bless Pitman and all the staff in Edinburgh.
Everything at Pitman-Edinburgh is perfect. The trainers are wonderful and willing to help at all time. As someone from Africa, I was finding it very complex to type and to use computer as well but they took their time to teach all the basic necessities and now I am one of the best in computers at work.
The environment is very conducive, the receptionist is the best I have ever met and the course advisors are everything. They care, are very kind, patience and motivates everyone.
I am what I am today because of Pitman Training.

IN – Diploma

General Diploma, Private Individuals

“I was amazed with what I achieved with My course. I’m over 3 months into my job at HM Revenue and Customs and the background I received through the Accounting Technician Diploma undoubtedly helped me secure the job and has helped ‘on the job’.”

GM – Accounting Tecnhnician Diploma

Book-Keeping, Private Individuals

I found learning at Pitman Training was enjoyable, which makes all the difference. It was probably one of the best decisions I have made in the last decade.

S E

IT Tutor Led, Private Individuals

Very good. I did a full semester in university on Project Management and this course taught me much more than I learned at university.

Rosemary – Wind Farm Developer – Project Management Principles

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Project Management

Marion was really good and helped me to understand what I was doing and extremely fun.

Fiona – Trainee Administrator – Assertiveness

Assertiveness, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

I came to Pitmans after leaving my job as a Customer Service Team Leader as I wanted to better myself & change careers. I studied the Executive PA Diploma, the course was very informative & could be done at my own pace. After completing the course I temped for 3 months & then I managed to get a job as an administrator through Office Angels. I am now working for an Interior Design company as PA to the Managing Director.
I would recommend Pitman to anyone who wants to improve themselves, I also made some new friends who I am still in contact with, as my circle of friends was very limited as I knew no-one when I moved to Edinburgh 3 years ago…
Many thanks again, I will be back!

LB – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, Private Individuals

Excellent course, well presented and worthwhile. Thank you!

Katie – Personal Assistant – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

I am really enjoying the challenge of my new career and appreciate all that Pitman Training did to make it possible.

J M – Medical Secretary

Private Individuals

‘’I would like to say how much I enjoyed the above course yesterday. I have to say this ranked as one of the very best courses I have attended and I now have a more positive attitude towards meetings/minute taking. Please pass my thanks to the trainer.’’

L D

Minutes and Note Taking, Organisations Testimonials

“I really enjoyed the Diploma which I am sure will improve my career prospects. I am looking forward to putting what I learned into practice.”

CC – Diploma

General Diploma

The trainer was excellent and took time to make sure we all understood what we were doing.

Louise – Commercial Manager – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

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Secretarial Diploma