Professional Development Award

Name: Professional Development Award
Author: admin

Create Your Own Learning Path

The courses don’t have to be chosen from the same subject category so, you could be studying a social media course, move on to web design training, bookkeeping, or whatever you need.

It may just be that you want to focus in one specialist area. Whatever works for you, this award can fit the bill. The total learning hours must reach 30 hours minimum, which means you’ll gain 30 CPD points for your learning record, or you can take any three courses.

On successful completion of your training you’ll receive a prestigious Pitman Training certificate to validate your skills.

Course Info

Duration Learning hours must reach a minimum of 30 hours (1 week full-time) in total.

Training Type Awards

Study Type In centre, Online

Awards & Qualifications

Awarded 30 CPD points upon successful completion

Is this course right for me?

This is an exciting Award that could open up a world of opportunity for your career. It puts the control in your hands, and allows you to tailor our CPD accredited, professional training, to match your exact requirements.

If you know the subjects you want to study but haven’t quite been able to find the perfect fit for you, this award will give you the control and flexibility you’re looking for. You can select courses from across our range to gain the specific skills you’re after.

Awarded 30 CPD points upon successful completion

Duration Learning hours must reach a minimum of 30 hours (1 week full-time) in total.

Course Content

Courses you can choose from

Office and Secretarial

Audio Transcription

Legal Text Processing

Medical Word Processing

Professional Receptionist Essentials

Speedwriting

Successful Meetings and Minutes

Typaz (Touch Typing Course)

VA Essentials

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping Transactions and Controls Part 1

Costing and Pricing

Payroll Principles

Understanding Business Accounts

Microsoft Office

Excel or Excel Expert

Outlook

PowerPoint

Word or Word Expert

Business & Management

Communication Skills for IT Specialists

Effective Business Communication

HR Essentials

Introduction to Business Structure and Law

Team Development

Marketing/Web Design

Blogging for Business

Dreamweaver CC

Event Management Essentials

Facebook for Business

Illustrator CC
Introduction to Google Website Tools

LinkedIn for Business

Marketing Essentials

Photoshop CC

Course Overview

Aims and Objectives

The main aim of this award is to offer you ultimate control and dictate the subjects you want to study to achieve your specific learning objectives, whilst getting the benefits of CPD accredited training.

Career Path

The beauty of this award is that it can help lead you to a variety of careers. So, whether you are looking for a career change, want to set up your own business or have managerial aspirations, you can gain the skills to get the career you want.

Pre-Requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this award.

May 2024

May 17 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Word Introduction

Word Introduction

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 21 - May 22 Executive PA – 2-day workshop

Executive PA – 2-day workshop

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 21 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Power BI Introduction

Power BI Introduction

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 22 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Identify and Manage Stress

Identify and Manage Stress

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 23 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Telephone Techniques

Telephone Techniques

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 28 - May 30 Train the Trainer – 3- day workshop

Train the Trainer – 3- day workshop

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 28 Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

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

May 28 @ 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Excel Introduction

Excel Introduction

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 28 - May 30 Train the Trainer – 3- day workshop

Train the Trainer – 3- day workshop

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 31 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Excel Intermediate

Excel Intermediate

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

June 2024

June 3 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Leadership Skills

Leadership Skills

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

June 4 - June 5 Supervisory Skills – 2- day workshop

Supervisory Skills – 2- day workshop

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Testimonials

High praise. Marion drew from her own experiences which I appreciated. She was able to help us with our individual issues. She listed to us and adapted her training to suit our needs.

Alanna – Office Manager/PA – Executive PA Seminar

Executive PA Seminar, General PD, 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 completely understood the topics covered and everything was explained very well. Thank you!

Abbi – Receptionist Seminar

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Receptionist Seminar

“I had been having trouble making the databases at work behave themselves but every problem that I had been having has been dealt with today.”

Access Level 2 A M——-Administration Co-ordinator

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

The training has helped give me a lot of the practical skills I needed to be a secretary. But more importantly it gave me confidence in myself and my ability to go out and get a job, knowing I had a great head start in comparison with many other people in the job market.

S D – Executive PA

Private Individuals

I am enjoying my new role as medical audio typist. Studying at Pitman Training was a good break from the every day world of work. I learned that some of the computer applications I’d heard of before were not as scary as I’d once thought!!

M M – Medical Audio Typist

Private Individuals

Very good pace, pitch and tone. Excellent subject knowledge which was explained clearly. Well structured, informative course pitched at the right pace in a relaxed environment.

Nick – Change Manager – Train The Trainer

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

“I studied the Microsoft Fast Track Diploma. I had been working in a beauty salon for 5 years – I was a therapist and in January I gave up treatments and became the full time receptionist. I really wanted a Monday – Friday receptionist role in an office but because I didn’t have much IT experience I knew that I would find the job search difficult.
The Microsoft training gave me the skills that employers were looking for and I found that once I had the qualification on my CV I started getting selected for interviews. As well as learning new skills the course also helped to just refresh my memory on some things that I could already do.
I am now working in a new job which is the Monday – Friday role I wanted. My job title is Customer Service Assistant. This is a Front of House role which involves a lot of meeting and greeting and looking after all of the tenants in the building who we provide serviced offices for.
I enjoyed the training as it felt very relaxed and I liked that I could go at my own pace. I am so happy that I got this qualification for myself. I really believe that without my qualification I would be stuck in a job that I really wasn’t happy in for many more years!
Thank you Pitman training!”

JS – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the 2 day course. Our Trainer was really in tune with us as a group and understood exactly where we were all coming from with regards to the daily obstacles we face in our various roles as office and personal assistant.
The course content was fabulous; I especially enjoyed the section on Communication & Assertiveness. I felt I took most away from these parts and have definitely been able to implement in my daily work commitments. I feel more confident and more in control of my work time. The handouts we were given have also proved useful and I have referred back to them time and time again. The Trainer also gave us recommendations of helpful books, 2 of which I have purchased since the coaching and have dipped in and out of.
I would definitely recommend the workshop to anyone in a support role, be it as a PA or Office Manager, who is looking for a little extra support or guidance. There is a lot to learn, both for people new to this type of role or experienced individuals.”

Louise —PA to the Chief Executive Change Recruitment Group

Executive PA, Organisations Testimonials

“I studied the Executive PA Diploma with Pitman. I started studying it in January 2013, it was a great way to start the new year.
Before training I was working in a pub. Having graduated from Glasgow University with an English degree, I found it very difficult to get a job and to know what jobs to apply for. I began working in a hotel for three years before I realised no matter how good I was at my job or how many shifts I had done, there was no room for growth.
Training really helped me, it helped me get some focus and direction and it was a great way to learn new skills. It allowed me to get up to speed with all the Microsoft packages and to get back into the way of using computing skills. It also allowed me to broaden my job search as I now had skills I didn’t have before and skills that companies were looking for.
I now work at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, which I am really enjoying, where I have been employed as a Receptionist and Medical Secretary.
I really enjoyed my Pitman course, all the staff were very friendly and always willing to help out with any problems. I definitely feel if I hadn’t done the Pitman course I would have struggled for even longer to find a job.”

LN – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, General Diploma, Private Individuals

“The Executive PA course is by far the best course I have attended. Our Trainer was a fantastic tutor and really knew her subject, she was able to communicate parts of the course content with her own real life experiences. I have attended many courses in the past, some of which were quite boring but I must say the tutor had my full attention over the course of the two days.
The size of class was also perfect, which allowed everyone to have their say and share similar experiences. Overall all, it was a very enjoyable course and I would be keen to attend other relevant courses”

Michelle Anderson—–PA—–Airtricity

Executive PA, Organisations Testimonials

“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

Excellent facilities. Excellent trinaing course!

Kirsty – Team Organiser – PowerPoint

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Powerpoint 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’d like to thank all your team for their help whilst I was training for the MS Office Plus Diploma. They were all open, very friendly, and knowledgeable in all the MS Office applications and the supporting PC hardware & software. I particularly liked the training format, informative, user friendly application manuals & supporting audio files. This made the whole experience rewarding & enjoyable. I would have no hesitation in recommending Pitman Training to my friends & colleagues.”

AF – Microsoft Office Plus Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

A very good course. Learned quite a lot of new supervision tips that I never knew. Hope to take things I have learned from this course into my working environment which hopefully will make me a good supervisor.

William – Maintenance Chargehand – Supervisory Skills

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Supervisory Skills

The tutor knew her role very well, she was happy to answer questions and gave good advice on situations.

Elsamarie – Receptionist – Receptionist Seminar

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Receptionist Seminar

“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.
But most importantly, Pitman training changed my life, forever and beyond I could have ever imagined. I did not have a job and had a very low self-confidence. It took me a while to have a courage and sign up for the advanced course that I had chosen, but I never looked back since that moment and everything in my life went on from strength to strength.
The staff became my second family and I would like to thank you for making me a better person. Every day you were transforming a young girl into a confident successful woman. We, as students are so lucky to have you.
After completing Pitman I was working for a Law Company, Edinburgh College and sat further exams that enabled me to progress further in my career.
I have recently been accepted for the position of Sales Consultant with Travelex. It took me just 7 days to get approved for the job since I saw the vacancy at the Job Fair and had a phone call to congratulate me for getting the job!!
I owe a lot in my life to Pitman Training. It truly changes lives, it gives confidence in your professional abilities, provides you with necessary qualifications to get that Dream Job!!”

DT – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, General Courses, General Diploma, Private Individuals

Marion was great. She made the day very interesting and adapted it well to suit individual needs.

Laura – Admin Assistant – Better Business Writing

Better Business Writing, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

First time being in Marion’s course and was an excellent experience, I need more!

Linda – Centre Manager – Conflict Management

Conflict Management, 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

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

Very engaging, simplified a lot of complex issues to meet the needs of the audience. Genuinely found both days very fascinating – very rare that I can listen to someone speak for 2 days and not get bored, but Julie achieved this! Can’t wait to try out my new tools and techniques!

Sarah-Louise – Business Development Executive – Influencing Skills

General PD, Influencing Skills, Organisations Testimonials

“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

What I liked about training at Pitman Training, was the flexible nature of the courses which enabled me to progress at my own pace and fit my studies around other commitments.

K C – Administrator

Private Individuals

I have a better understanding of how to manage conflict in the work place, and how to be more confident.

Ann – Staff nurse – Conflict Managment

Conflict Management, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Very friendly and I never felt that I was being taught anything but the information flowed. Your trainer is the best thing about this course. Thank you Julie.

Tracy – Support Assistant – Train The Trainer

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

“When I met you back in February 2014 my mental state was at a low ebb. After our chat you gave me hope within myself!
When I realised what I was about to undertake, trepidation set in. Well, five months later I achieved my goal attaining a Diploma in Administration Assistant. This is such an huge achievement for me, being the first actual qualification I’ve attained. So a huge pat on the back for me!!!!
What can I say about Pitman Training, Edinburgh, simply first class! Your supervisors are a great bunch, nothing was too much trouble. Even when it came to asking what potentially could be a ‘stupid’ question, they always treated you with respect. I certainly asked a few ‘stupid’ questions! Their patience and understanding was first class, knowing that some of us weren’t on the same level with computer programmes as they were.
The courses are well set out with books and audio to help you along. The audio and on screen items are clear and concise, keeping it both plain and simple.
After five months my confidence is returning and that can only be a good thing for my future.
I’ve managed to secure a job with Edinburgh City Council and If there ever becomes a need to learn further subjects, you’ll be the first people I’ll contact.
Many thanks for all the help I’ve had over the past five months, so much appreciated.”

IS – Administration Assistant Diploma

General Diploma

“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

No Improvement required. Speed, clarity and technique ideal. The trainer was excellent!

Wendy – Receptionist – Meetings and Minutes

General PD, Meetings and Minutes, Organisations Testimonials

“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

It took me a day to find a job after I left the course. The diploma taught me how to type well and use all the necessary computer programmes to the point where I am helping others at work with their queries about Excel and Access.

R G – PA to Consultant Cardiologist

Private Individuals

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

The trainer was engaging with audience, friendly, approachable and covered content of course excellently.

Tracey – Employer Engagement Officer – Communication Skills

Communication Skills, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

The course was catered specifically to spreadsheets I use in my daily business, so was invaluable, useful and relevant.

Jennifer – Examinations Administrator – Excel

Excel Seminars, IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

“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

“After graduating a few years ago and going off for a few years to live abroad, I then came back and decided to pursue a career in law. I decided the best route was to first get experience in a law firm and then perhaps study part time. My goal was to become a legal secretary to start off but the skills required such as Microsoft Office packages and knowledge of legal terminology and procedures was not something I had picked up at university!!
I decided I needed a foot in the door and chose to study for the legal secretarial diploma at Pitman. The course was great because it was completely flexible and the training facilities were of the highest standard. The supervisors were always happy and friendly and I was impressed that they really took an interest in everyone personally.
Towards the end of my course, the supervisors referred me to a vacancy at Simpson and Marwick for a litigation secretary. Litigation was the most interesting module and that was the area I wanted to get into. I decided to apply. The very next morning, I had an interview lined up and two days later I had the job. It was the first job I applied to. The HR manager at Simpson told me that the diploma at Pitman had secured me the job and she believed the course to be an excellent grounding for starting work there.”
As regards the job, I have been there for a few weeks now and I can honestly say that I’m loving every minute of it. It’s definitely challenging and at times hard work but it’s interesting and I work with a great group of people in the best litigation team in Scotland.
I’d also like to say a big thank you to the training team who helped me the most. They really went that extra mile to help me and they were always so friendly and nice to be around. Please pass on my thanks to them – they are great assets to Pitman!

LC – Legal Secretarial Diploma

General Diploma, Legal Secretarial, Private Individuals

“I’m presently studying an ECDL course with Pitman Training.
Prior to enrolling I had been made redundant from my post as a Publications Information Assistant, due to departmental re-structuring, within the media department of Strathclyde Police. As the workplace is constantly evolving, I decided to upgrade my skills and ECDL seemed the obvious choice – for me. The course has helped me gain the confidence to apply for jobs again, even those I’d previously considered outwith my comfort zone.
What I’ve enjoyed most about the course is the fact professionals are on hand if you have any problems, you can work at your own pace and the hours are flexible.However, for me, what makes Pitman Training so successful is its staff. They are friendly, approachable and very encouraging. Their cheery disposition makes it a joy to learn.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Pitman Training.”

JW – ECDL

ECDL, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

The trainer was happy to stop and answer any questions and did not make you feel your questions were silly.

Eileen – Finance and Admin Officer – Access

Access Seminars, IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

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

Paul – Problem Manager – Communication Skills

Communication Skills, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

‘I found this course hugely beneficial. I have just taken on a training aspect to my current role and the skills gained on this course have given me the confidence to approach the training sessions in a much more positive way.
This course gave me both the knowledge of how to put a training session together, and insight into the different approaches and skills used to deliver the training. I particularly found the practical aspect of the course useful. Throughout the three days, we not only learnt ‘how’ to do various tasks, but actually did, and evaluated them’.

MC—-Project Officer

Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

Will be taking a lot from the course back to the work place.

Graham – Home Manager – Conflict Management

Conflict Management, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

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

” I would like to thank you for giving me this unique opportunity to change my life and get a good job as a bookkeeper.
To be honest, as a foreigner I was scared at hat the course would be too hard to study and understand but I decided to take this challenging opportunity and improve my skills.
The training materials were amazing. They were very well presented and easy to learn. However the greatest advantage was the Training Supervisors. At any point when you are stuck with the subject or do not understand the questions then all you have to do is ask and all the help you need is there for you.
After I completed just three of the modules I decided to look of a job as a part time bookkeeper and I was in seventh heaven when I was offered a job before I had even finished my course.
The knowledge I have received from Pitman has helped me to develop my skills and improve my financial situation.
I strongly believe that anyone with a bit of discipline, patience and effort can change their lives for the best with the help of Pitman Training.”

AKS – Accounting Technician Diploma

Book-Keeping, Private Individuals

“As I was due to retire from teaching within a few months, I was looking to update my computer skills in order to facilitate a move to part time work in administration/ reception. After a chat with Linda, I decided upon the Fast Track Microsoft Office Diploma. This enabled me to remember work I had previously done in class using Word and PowerPoint and to also extend my use of the programs. The three others modules covered were Outlook, Excel and Access. I have to say Access was the most challenging for me, even though I could see the logic in it!!
I thoroughly enjoyed working through the modules as you are able to work at your own pace and go over areas again and again until you feel comfortable with your understanding. Another very positive aspect to going in to the Centre to work is the invaluable help given by the staff who are friendly and on hand to iron out any little problems; they calm you down when frustration levels begin to rise at your inability to see where you have gone wrong and expertly set you back on the right pathway!
I am delighted to say that I completed the course with Distinction.
At the moment I am not working but am now veering towards working within the NHS. In order to further my chances with this I am currently studying Medical Terminology. Again a bit of a refresher for me as I have previously studied Anatomy and Physiology, but am enjoying it none the less as it makes me use my brain cells. Not a bad thing!
Although not working I have been looking at the Show Website for NHS workers and will also be looking to find temporary work through an agency, if the first option does not work out, in order to gain experience back in an office environment.
I am glad I made the decision to call Pitman and chat to Linda about options. I can be a bit of a learning junkie and once I have the bit between my teeth I may well find another area to study and keep me at Pitman that bit longer.
Very satisfied client”

JN – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

Great, helpful, friendly staff, good location easily accessible etc.

Sam – Customer Services Administration – Speedwriting

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Speedwriting

I have just completed my Accounting Technician Diploma with Pitman in Edinburgh.
I had relocated to Fife after working as an Office Manager in Livingston and I was now at home looking after my 3yr old son. I had tried to get a couple of part time admin jobs but was unsuccessful, with the view being that I was over qualified. I therefore felt that it would be easier to work from home as a self employed bookkeeper, this would mean I could earn some money and have the flexibility to look after my son. I had carried out various aspects of invoicing etc over the years but could never call myself a bookkeeper, I therefore needed to get a formal qualification that would give prospective clients the trust required.
After checking the internet I contacted Fran Maclean in Edinburgh, she invited me in for a chat and on her advice I arranged to complete the Accounting Technician Diploma as this was better suited to running your own business rather than just being an employee.
I arranged to complete my diploma from home, and only had to visit the Office in Edinburgh for 2 modules. I enjoyed every minute of this diploma, as I was able to fit the studying around home life. Help was available if required but the learning materials were actually so good that I don’t think I ever needed to call for help.
I have now completed my Diploma and am arranging to sit the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers entrance exam, this will allow me to portray a much more professional image when dealing with clients.
Completing this Diploma has given me much more confidence, and as a result I have decided to widen the scope of my business idea.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Pitman Training and am sure that I will continue to use them myself in the future.

PC – Accounting Technician Diploma

Book-Keeping, 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

“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

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May 13 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

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