This diploma will give you the opportunity to become a qualified bookkeeper with AAT, enabling you to work in a self-employed capacity, providing bookkeeping services to small businesses.
This diploma is designed for those who wish to work as a self-employed bookkeeper or gain employment as a senior bookkeeper. It could be a great stepping stone for your career!
Core Courses
Bookkeeping Transactions and Controls Part 1
In this course, you will learn the processes and procedures involved in manual bookkeeping. You will cover the double-entry system, the basics of VAT, checking invoices for accuracy, day books, general ledger, purchase and sales ledger, prompt payment discount, petty cash books, balancing ledger accounts, and more.
Bookkeeping Transactions and Controls Part 2
This course is ideal for those who wish to work as a Bookkeeper or Accounts Assistant. This intermediate bookkeeping course is suited to those who wish to further develop their bookkeeping skills and want to learn the correct methods and techniques to be able to confidently manage the financial records for businesses.
Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
This course provides you with the skills required to produce statements of profit or loss and statements of financial position for sole traders and partnerships using a trial balance. In employment, you may be required to prepare a portion of, or all, the final accounts, and this course will give you the theoretical knowledge needed to complete that task. It will also allow you to understand how final accounts have been produced, either manually or automatically through the use of accounting software.
Tax Processes for Businesses
This course explores tax processes that influence the daily operations of businesses and is designed to develop your skills in understanding, preparing, and submitting Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The course provides you with the knowledge and skills that are needed to keep businesses, employers, and clients compliant with the laws and practices that apply to VAT and payroll. Once you have achieved the AAT qualifications, you can apply for AAT bookkeeping membership, which offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your bookkeeping skills and expertise to employers, colleagues, and clients. You’ll gain professional recognition when you use the designatory letters AATQB after your name. And you can apply to
become self-employed and offer bookkeeping services.
AAT Exams
To gain the AAT Level 2 and 3 qualifications you
will need to sit the following exams:
• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial
Statements
• Tax Processes for Businesses
Aims and Objectives
The Diploma in Bookkeeping with AAT will help you prepare for the AAT Level 3* Certificate in Bookkeeping qualification, which is a recognised industry standard that will boost your CV.
Career Path
This diploma develops skills and knowledge to an advanced level for anyone wishing to pursue a career in bookkeeping, either to gain employment in a bookkeeping role or to work as a freelance bookkeeper. As with all our training, this is a flexible diploma that
can be studied via a combination of methods: in one of our training centres or remotely from home or work. We’ll support you every step of the way with:
• Flexible training that fits around your commitments
• Support on hand from our friendly Learning Coaches
• Access to the online MyAAT student study support
centre
• Opportunity to gain a prestigious AAT Level 3
qualification
Pre-Requisites
You don’t need to have any specific experience or qualifications before starting this diploma programme. * Level 3 is the equivalent of Level 5 in Ireland and Level 6 in Scotland.
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“Before I started my training at Pitman I was unemployed, I had been working as a accounts assistant in a hotel for three years and although my last job was in accounting I had no knowledge or understanding of SageLine 50 Computerised Accounting, which is widely used throughout many organisations, so it was important for me to learn this accounting software.
I found all the staff really helpful in guiding and advising me throughout the course and when I had finished they suggested I should take the Computerised Sage 50 Payroll course to complement further my skills.
On finishing both courses, I was also advised by the staff to take the external examinations from the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) in both of the courses I had studied. Once I finished the IAB exams in June 2013 I became committed in searching for a job in an accountancy position. The knowledge I had gained and the results of the courses enhanced my C.V and I felt much more confident when applying for jobs.
After two months I managed to secure three interviews, two of which offered me jobs. I accepted a full time sales ledger assistant position in Skyscanner.
I would like to thank Pitman Training staff for all their help and support which has helped me to secure the job that I wanted.”
MR – Sage
I have now come to the end of my courses in finance, and I should like to say how impressed I was with the quality of training I received through them all.
The knowledge I have gained has consolidated and enhanced my previous experience in a number of accounts jobs over the years, and given me new confidence in my skills and abilities to truly pursue bookkeeping as a specialist career. There are certainly many businesses out there that really need competent “accounting technicians”.
As soon as I had completed my Sageline 50 Accounts course, I got a second job using both this training and the previous course I completed, Excel Proficient. My training in Manual PAYE and Sage Payroll has enabled me to take over the wages responsibility in my other part-time bookkeeping job, and I have also set up a stock control system on the laptop using Excel spread sheets.There is also a possibility of taking on a further job working from home a couple of afternoons / evenings a week, doing the accounts for another local business using Sage on a laptop.
I am delighted with the “instant” results my training with yourselves have produced – the investment of time, money and effort was definitely worthwhile, now that I am reaping rewards well beyond my original expectations…. even at my time of life (over 50), retraining to specialist level in accounts has been an excellent decision.
THANK YOU!
DG – Accounting Technician Diploma
“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
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
Everything I have learnt can be used throughout the future not just in my employment. The Information came across well and I will definitely use it throughout my daily routines at work. I was Very impressed by the service today – friendly, welcoming and nothing was too much trouble.
Yvonne – Family Support Worker – Receptionist Seminar
Excellent trainer. Knowledgeable with a very pleasant and helpful manner.
Julie – Manager – Outlook
“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
The tutor knew her role very well, she was happy to answer questions and gave good advice on situations.
Elsamarie – Receptionist – Receptionist Seminar
Marion was really good and helped me to understand what I was doing and extremely fun.
Fiona – Trainee Administrator – Assertiveness
“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
Excellent.
Alison – Receptionist – Outlook
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
“Two years ago I was at a crossroads in my career as a Textile CAD designer and decided to expand my IT knowledge in the hope of broadening my job options.
Knowing the cost involved I began my research and found plenty of organizations who offered IT courses, but little else. Pitman Training on the other hand offered the support and the resources at an extremely competitive price.
Starting with the CompTIA A+ courses passing both these exams, I was extremely motivated to expand my knowledge further and receiving all the advice I needed from Pitman I am now one exam away from achieving my MCSA Microsoft qualification.
I am currently working in an IT support role which was initially a trainee position. But using the knowledge I have obtained through the courses at Pitman this has allowed me to become a supervisor a lot sooner than I had imagined.
I can’t recommend Pitman Training enough to people and although the courses I undertook where online and mostly home study, I enjoyed using the facilities finding the atmosphere very conducive to studying with very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff.”
IL – IT Technical
’Not only was this an excellent learning experience, but also great fun. I picked up some great tips on how to command and hold the attention of a less than enthusiastic audience and I found the section on voice coaching extremely useful.
The course really helps develop confidence, particularly with regard to the advice on body language and stance and I would recommend that everyone who has to present to small or large audiences should attend.’’
Jacqui C—-HR Manager—-Citizens Advice
‘’Over the past two years we have used Pitman Training for a number of courses and the feedback has always been excellent.
I have personally been on two – Delegation Skills and Supervisory Skills, both proved to be well constructed, interactive and of great use not just in the workplace but as useful tools in general life.
One of our other teams have used their Project Management course to great effect. It was carried out by someone who has masses of experience in Project Management so gave a solid practical slant rather than a Trainer delivering a course.It would be fair to say that the two courses that I attended were the same.
On the whole I find them extremely professional, also great if you want a bespoke course.
I have over the years used a variety of companies and Pitman always seem to deliver exactly what you want.’’
Elma C——HR Administrator (Training)—–NHS Education for Scotland
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
“I studied a Pitman Accounting Technician Diploma. My intention was to use the course to complement my accounting qualification and as a return to work plan in my chosen career area.
Since my training, I believe that the course has assisted me in that I am now being trained for cash office duties and procedures. I have as well been given a chance on a volunteer basis by one of the housing association in their accounts departments through courtesy of Central Scotland Racial Equality Council, where am having a chance to work with Sage Line 50 v12 and Sage payroll. Am drawing heavily from what I have learnt in Pitman Training.
I would lik to thank all the staff at Pitman and especially the Supervisors who were very helpful whenever I needed assistance.
Having been allowed to pay for the Course on monthly instalments, making it possible for me to afford the Course in easy instalments.
The fact that you can be able to programme your time of attendance is a big plus to the college.
The courses are very well presented in a methodical manner that makes it easy to follow and would recommend to others who are looking forward for training.”
EK – Accounting Technician Diploma
“I had previously enrolled on a ECDL course through Aberdeen College which I failed to complete as the course was primarily home based with pre-historic methods for learning the given subjects and using there computers wasn’t really an option because of full time classes and a raffle ticket method for trying to book a computer.
I work offshore so my free time is varied and is never the same month to month. I needed to learn these as more and more of my job required knowledge in how to use for example word, excel and outlook. I contacted Pitman Training Aberdeen and went into see Faye about the Microsoft Fast Track Diploma which covers all the key Microsoft packages used in any office. The flexibility in the Pitman Training method of training is what really attracted me to their course, I could go to there training centre at any time I wanted. The learning process is very well developed, and by means of listening, reading and most importantly doing flowing exercises I found I learned the given subjects very fast with ease.
I recently decided to set up my own Ltd Company to enable me to provide Maintenance services primarily to the Oil and Gas Industry for Gas Turbines, diesel engines, pumps and compressors. In doing this I decided to enrol on the Sage Line 50 course as this would help me with my book-keeping and the Dreamweaver course so that I could set up and maintain my own website for the company.
I would recommend anyone wanting to learn or improve their skills to train with Pitman Training Aberdeen. Both Iain and Faye have been really helpful and would not hesitate to enrol on another course with them if I need to.”
CB – Fast Track Diploma
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
Everything I wanted from the course and more, Marion was approachable, I felt comfortable and at ease.
Charlotte – Executive PA – Executive PA Seminar
‘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
“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
“Having chosen not to go to University, and after a years work in the retail business, I was still unsure as to which career path I ultimately wanted to follow. I enrolled on the Executive PA Diploma course with Pitman Training School in Edinburgh in September 2008, knowing that it was highly respected amongst employers.
The course for me was an undoubted success. I completed the main Microsoft modules reasonably quickly – they proved to be very easy to follow and actually quite a lot of fun! I very much enjoyed having the flexibility to choose which elective courses to do, and I was pleased to be given the choice of seminars as well as computer programmes. I have completed two seminars; both were great fun, and whereas I had found Pitman to be a quiet and studious place, suddenly we got to interact with other students and I met some great people.
I now have the role of Personal Assistant to an Art Broker in Edinburgh, which I found through word of mouth. All that I learnt during my time in Pitman has certainly now been put to use – especially the PA Seminar, which focuses not only on the general office keeping but also on the more personal and, often hugely overlooked aspects. Approximately two months elapsed between my finishing the main bulk of the course and securing my current job.
I also hold the position of Secretary on the board of the Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show. This is a non-profit and student run body that annually holds a highly respected Fashion Show in aid of three charities. My job involves organising meetings, taking minutes and being the administrative organiser. Without the Pitman background I would not have the skills that I now use daily.
I am moving to London in March, and thanks to my time at Pitman I am approaching agencies with confidence in myself and my abilities.”
HJ – Executive PA Diploma
I am currently working in the city in London as a PA. It is lots of fun, however very hard work!
L P – Personal Assistant
“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
“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
“Excellent! Extremely helpful and reassuring, thank you so much for this course!I now feel much more confident and know how to improve my minutes taking techniques.”
Adeline Amar—–Scottish National Gallery of Modern art
“After 12 years working for an airline I decided to make a career change and started looking into various training companies. I selected Pitman Training based on their helpfulness and support.
I started studying in August of 2007 and initially signed up for Comptia’s A+ to ensure I was making the right choice. After completing this with the great help I got from John and Martin I then went on to study for my MCSA.
Before completing my course I started applying for a few jobs and was lucky to secure a position with BCF Technology as an IT support engineer. I have no doubt that taking this course had a lot to do with their decision.
Throughout my involvement with Pitman Training I received nothing but encouragement from all the staff and fellow students, which certainly made learning easier and more enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Pitman Training to anyone that asked and will be using them for any future training I may need to undergo.”
MM – IT Technical
“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
Excellent course, well presented and worthwhile. Thank you!
Katie – Personal Assistant – Word
The skills that I learnt on the course come up time and time again on a daily basis and I am sure that the diploma on my CV has ensured interviews for a number of job applications.
L B – PR Assistant
Excellent, interesting and good humoured.
Tommy – Sales Executive – Presentation Skills
” 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
I was offered three jobs within a matter of weeks!
H S – Personal Assistant
“When I started my Executive PA Diploma last September I was quite unsure what direction my career was going in, I guess you may hear this fairly often, however as the course progressed and my confidence increased I felt ready to look for a PA Executive job. In January I was very successful to be offered the role PA to the Senior Dental Advisor at Practitioner Services (part of the NHS) which I believe my Pitman training played a pivotal part and gave the company confidence to employee me.
I have now completed my three month contract at Practitioner Services, so again I had to think about the direction my career would go. So, I am delighted to let you know that I have been offered a permanent job as a Training Co-ordinator, taking over all the logistics and administration associated with the training events and seminars that the Company delivers and I will be working directly with the Managing Director.
Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your training administration team without whom none of this would have happened.”
LF – Executive PA Diploma
“Working as a secretary with Axis Media I felt that I needed to brush up my skills on some of the Office programmes that I was using as part of my job as well as gaining a recognised qualification. The Fast Track Diploma did this for me, and clarified some of the “mysteries” surrounding programmes such as Access which I had used slightly but never fully explored.
The course books and audio CD were clear and easy to follow, and the training staff were all very friendly and helpful, to the point of offering advice even after the course had finished.
Their unfailing cheeriness and sense of humour (together with the excellent facilities and pleasant working surroundings) added to the good atmosphere at the Pitman’s centre which is why I’ve now come back to do another course!”
PF – Fast Track Diploma
“In the last year I successfully completed and passed Sage Accounting and Sage Payroll Computer Courses with Pitman Training. Before my training I was looking for a job, but realised that I needed more qualifications in order to get my ideal job.
I am now applying for jobs and feel more equipped and confident. I am searching the job sites and sending my CV. I know it’s only a matter of time until I have the job I desire.
My learning time at Pitman Training was a very happy time for me. I felt warmly welcomed each day and this enabled me to learn quickly. The staff were extremely professional, friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was very relaxed. I so enjoyed my Courses and it really was learning made easy.
I wish to Thank each member of Pitman Training Staff. I have never enjoyed a learning experience as much as I enjoyed my time with you.
Many Thanks!”
GC – Sage
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
“When I came to see Fran she recommended Microsoft Excel, HTML, Dreamweaver 8 and Book-Keeping Level 2 Module 1 courses as the most suitable for preparing me to set up my own online business.
The staff were all very helpful and polite and the environment was professional but friendly. I have since set up a website with a friend as an information site for parents and carers of children with autism.
The courses at Pitman increased my confidence with technology and made me believe that after 15 years as a music teacher, and 2 years as a full time carer for my children who have support needs, I can now change direction and transform my life.”
JM – Various Courses
First time being in Marion’s course and was an excellent experience, I need more!
Linda – Centre Manager – Conflict Management
I am able to write faster and take minutes of meetings.
Lucy – PA/Business Support Officer – Speedwriting
Very useful, customised experience, highly recommended.
Sam – Programme Officer – Project Management Principles
Very good, no improvements to suggest. Marion was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Joyce – Governance manager – Better Business Writing
I finished a Pitman Secretarial Diploma in 2008 and after one month working as a temp. I was lucky enough to be offered a permanent job as Clerical/Admin Assistant which is where I am still working now.
Learning to touch type at Pitman definitely helped to secure the job, and also having a certificate from all the units of the secretarial diploma which showed that I could use Microsoft Office programs competently.
I took the option to study from home as living in Perth , it meant I could fit in work around the kids school hours. Though I did enjoy going into Edinburgh occasionally to do Outlook, and Audio. The course was really straightforward, and the tests were an enjoyable challenge.
I love being able to touch type, and it will be useful for the rest of my life, in whatever job I do. I have even got my children started on the BBC’s cool typing lessons for kids, where singing animals encourage you, and I hope that they will be able to type by the time they are teenagers.
All the trainers at Pitman were really helpful, and always ready to explain things, when I phoned or emailed with questions.
GA – Secretarial Diploma
“I relocated to Scotland after teaching English abroad for 15 years. Unable to find similar work here, I spent an anxious 12 months as an office temp, eventually gaining a permanent position as an admin assistant at a law firm in Glasgow. I carried out the usual range of tasks – photocopying, filing, distributing faxes. Although happy to have a job and appreciating its positive qualities, I felt held back – both in my own workplace and on the job market as a whole – by my lack of IT and keyboard skills.
One happy day I made an appointment to see Linda Morrison at the Glasgow Pitman Training Centre. Linda understood my frustration and recommended the Diploma in Business Skills, a qualification that combined basic keyboard training with Microsoft Office courses, plus Effective Business Communication and an elective (from a wide range of options, I chose ‘Get Into HR’).
There were eight modules in all and the sessions had to be fitted in around a full-time job and busy family life. Ultimately I took 18 months to complete it all but felt very proud when I took home my Diploma. I’m still working for the same firm but now run the library and deputise for the Archivist in his absence. My daily work is far more interesting and varied than it once was, and that fact – combined with the high unemployment brought about by the recession – means that I’m not interested in changing jobs in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be flexible in these hard times and to be able to offer additional skills if need be. I don’t regret the time and energy I put into my courses – they’ve given me tremendous self-confidence and a great sense of relief that I’m no longer left behind or marginalised by my lack of knowledge.
I’ve already recommended the Glasgow Pitman Training Centre to a number of friends and am happy to do so again. I’d also like to put on record my thanks to all the staff for their cheerful help and unfailing moral support throughout my training.”
MF – Diploma
I am convinced that my Pitman Training Diploma impressed them, and I certainly felt confident when I had to do a series of “skills tests” on Word and Excel. The skills I attained at Pitman Training have been invaluable, and I’ve become known as the person to see if anyone has any Microsoft Office problems!
B S – Project Officer
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
The trainer was capable of explaining things so they were easily understood and answered all questions I had during the Intermediate Course.
Amy – Admin Assistant – Access
“I would just like to say thank you to yourself and all your staff for the wonderful training I received at Pitman Training!
I did the Microsoft Office Plus Diploma which took me through the whole Microsoft Office package and gave me a firm understanding in all the different areas such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. It even allowed me to take electives in different areas such as book-keeping which widened my skills and knowledge in areas I hadn’t looked at before.
I undertook the training whilst I was studying at University and the confidence and experience the courses gave me during my degree and also when going for job interviews was priceless. The job market is terribly competitive at the moment but with the training I received at Pitman I had that something extra that employers were looking for, and the ability to talk about the courses and my experience at Pitman Training.
In particular, I had an interview where they tested my skills in Microsoft Excel. If I had not done the course this would have been a very daunting experience, however, knowing what I had learnt from the Excel course within the Diploma I was very confident in my skills with Excel. I even managed to spot a mistake in their test which I pointed out to them and no other candidate in the past had spotted it!
Consequently I got offered the job as a consultant in a pensions company. However, I did not take this job as an even better job came along within risk management in the banking industry and so I will be starting this in September. I know that they use a lot of Excel and other Microsoft packages and so I am looking forward to being able to show my skills in these areas and it makes starting my new job a more exciting prospect as opposed to one which before I may have been slightly worried about.
Thank you again!”
IM – Microsoft Office Plus Diploma
The course content was clear and relevant. I met the objectives I came with.
Leanne – Sales Executive – PowerPoint
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