About the Course
The course teaches core programming concepts, software development principles, object-oriented programming, web application programming, and databases topics.
About the Course
The course teaches core programming concepts, software development principles, object-oriented programming, web application programming, and databases topics.
The IT Specialist – Software Development course is a solid introduction for those looking to understand programming concepts and practices better. The course focuses mainly on C# and SQL.
Is this course for you?
This course is for aspiring software developers who wish to design, build, and maintain software applications.
Course Content
DOMAIN 1 – CORE PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
Computer storage and data types, algorithms and flowcharts, error handling, and functional programming patterns.
DOMAIN 2 – SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
SDLC management, interpreting application specifications, coding with algorithms and data structures, version control systems, and secure coding concepts.
DOMAIN 3 – OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
Classes, inheritance, polymorphism.
DOMAIN 4 – WEB APPLICATIONS
Construct and analyse web applications, configure web hosting, configure web services, architectural patterns.
DOMAIN 5 – DATABASES
Design and normalise databases, SQL queries, manage transactions, database access methods, and NoSQL databases.
Aims and Objectives
The course focuses on introducing C# and SQL and maps to the objectives of the IT Specialist Software Development Fundamentals exam.
Career Path
In today’s thriving software development industry, the opportunities to progress your career are numerous. With continued learning
and development, you could work toward a Senior Developer role.
Pre-Requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
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“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
Will be taking a lot from the course back to the work place.
Graham – Home Manager – Conflict Management
Julie was able to convey the content of the course clearly and used lots of real life examples to demonstrate. As we were a small group she was able to detail the course to meet our own objectives. Very useful course with knowledgeable trainer. I have learnt skills which will be used immediately within the workplace and at home.
Cara – Assistant Accountant – Influencing Skills
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
“Thank you for the excellent course and in particular your friendly and helpful staff. Being able to revise the course information and the convenience of the flexible hours made the learning much more enjoyable.”
SH – Diploma
Like the style of the course, right amount of group and tutor led sections. I find the courses excellent, can’t think of anything to comment on. Thank you.
Sharon – HR Assistant – Influencing Skills
“I completed the Accounting Technician Course with Pitman Training after being made redundant from my IT Position, but I was also keeping the accounts and payroll for my husband’s business on a voluntary basis, but had no real training.
I had to make a choice of either retraining for another IT position or taking my Accounts knowledge forward. I was sceptical regarding my accounts knowledge, but after a meeting with Pitman staff, I left feeling much more confident. The enthusiasm and commitment from the staff showed me that I was actually capable of making a career change.
The course was flexible, so I was able to work around home and current work commitments.
As soon as I was actually made redundant, I picked up a six month contract and since then I have worked almost non-stop on temp or fixed term contracts mainly through an agency. I often take my actual certificates with me to interviews and employers are impressed.
I am so glad that I went for the initial meeting regarding my career, it has helped me build a new career after the redundancy setback.”
SK – Accounting Technician DIploma
E W – PA
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
“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
“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
“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
“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
From going from redundancy to this is just a great feeling! I actually love my job!
I C – Legal Secretary
“I started off with Pitman doing Microsoft Office 2007 specialist before progressing into Microsoft Office 2010 and attaining Microsoft Office Master status by sitting Microsoft exams at Expert Level in Word and Excel and standard level Outlook and PowerPoint.
To add to my knowledge I have just completed Pitman’s ‘Train the Trainer’ 3 day course and applied to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). With this training I have plans to increase the knowledge of Office within East Coast Mainline staff.
The skills and knowledge I gained, studying at Pitman Training, have made my job easier by using the advanced features in Microsoft Office to ‘correctly’ format and automate reports and simplify data collation. The ‘Train the Trainer’ course has provided me with increased confidence in dealing with people and situations and will allow me to improve working practice in the office by imparting my ‘Pitman gained’ Microsoft Office Knowledge to others. By raising the overall Office knowledge this should allow the depot to operate better with less time spent ‘trying’ to figure out bullet points and how to create graphs and more time spent doing the actual work.
You have an amazing team of staff at York Place, they are all a credit to you.
The flexibility of learning at Pitman Training is excellent given that you are able to study at Pitman Offices or distance learning at work or home to suit your personal circumstances.
I would thoroughly recommend Pitman Training whether you are looking to improve your situation by training to get a better job or improve your job security at your current location by improving your skills.”
KS – Microsoft Office
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
The trainer was very knowledgeable and helpful. The facilities were good to. Very good – highly recommend to anyone.
Dawn – Head of Project Management – MS Project
“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
“I spent many years living overseas, on returning to Scotland I was frustrated with the difficulty in finding employment due to my lack of work experience or qualifications in a particular field.
Completing the Legal Secretarial Diploma with Pitman Training has certainly changed this by providing me with the skills and confidence I needed to kick start my career.
Throughout the course the Staff were very helpful and friendly and when the time came to consider seeking employment the support and advice they offered was excellent. Just prior to completing the course I was offered a job in the legal department of a major financial institution in Edinburgh.
I’m absolutely delighted. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole training experience with Pitman, without the Diploma I know I would not have been offered the position.”
MG Legal Secretarial 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
Clear and easy to follow instructions.
Karen – Cashroom Assistant – Word
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
Knowledgeable, Approachable and effective communicator.
Margaret – Care home manager – Assertiveness
“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
Julie tailored the course excellently to the different interests/problems of the participants. She sought out appropriate material related to our fields of work. I felt the small course size was excellent.
Rachel – Manager – Influencing Skills
“I started the Executive PA/Secretarial Diploma course at the Pitman Training Centre in Edinburgh in August 2012 and followed up with 2 Legal Modules.
Before I started my Pitman Training course I was working in retail and not feeling like I was getting anything out of my job. My training has helped me to build up the knowledge and skills required to work in a much more demanding position and has been a great help to me.
In April 2013, I left my job and applied for a job as a receptionist at a Hotel outside Aberfeldy – a job which a friend had seen advertised and suggested I applied for. The job description entailed working mainly behind reception, dealing with guests, but also comprised of a lot of secretarial based work such as organising functions and meetings and typing up notes and menus etc. I was offered the job only hours after I went for the interview and so of course accepted it straight away.
I applied for the receptionists job 9 months after I began my course, as initially I was in no great rush to find another job, but would rather focus on working through the modules so that I would have the necessary experience for when I did decide to apply for something else.
I have loved doing my Pitman courses and have found the workbooks and online exercises very beneficial. I have enjoyed being able to work through each part of the course in my own time and being able to repeat exercises and aspects of modules has definitely been a help, especially on some of the more tricky subjects. It has made me a feel a lot more comfortable in what I am doing and has allowed me to go over parts that I was having any difficulty with.
All of the tutors and staff at the Centre in Edinburgh have been fantastic, and are always there on the end of the phone or an email whenever I have needed any help or clarification on any part of the course. They have always been more than happy to give me advice and guidance, no matter how trivial I think my questions are.
My experience at Pitman Training has been excellent and I will definitely consider doing another course at the Centre in the future, and would highly recommend it to other people.”
CS – Legal/ Executive PA Diploma
“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
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
Very good.
Laura – Project Co-ordinator – MS Project
The learning process used by you is so relaxing and such an enjoyable was to learn. I have studied a lot in my time, but this is the first time it has really been fun.
J L
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
‘’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
Very good, no improvements to suggest. Marion was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Joyce – Governance manager – Better Business Writing
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
I loved that the trainer had done the role and understands the job and what is needed. Excellent!
Nicola – Office Administrator – Meertings and Minutes
“I was previously working as an Office Manager for a small online retailer – which I enjoyed – but I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to expand my CV.
I couldn’t fault the training at Pitman. Each course was easily manageable as it was split into lessons. To add to that, the supervisors were always on hand to help out with any questions, however big or small.
I applied for one job I particularly liked the sound of, and after two interviews, a psychometric test and three skills tests (which I was able to complete with confidence due to my training at Pitman) I found out I was successful!
I am now Office Manager and PA to a senior member of staff at one of Scotland’s leading estate agents. I absolutely love my new role and I am learning more and more every day.
I could have easily stayed in my old job but wanted a new challenge, on a different path, and Pitman training was the stepping stone I needed.
I would fully recommend the Executive PA course to anyone looking to develop their skills and CV. It gave me confidence to apply for the job I have now, helped me in the interview process and above all, now helps me on a daily basis in my new role.
The team at Pitman made me feel welcome and comfortable, and my time spent at York Place was most enjoyable.
Many thanks!”
KC – Executive PA Diploma
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
“Our Trainer was excellent, this is the most knowledge I have ever taken from a course.”
Carol—-Edinburgh Business School
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
“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
‘’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
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
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
“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
“I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoyed the medical terminology course, and also the medical audio word processing.
After spending the last few years as a carer looking after mum, even the thought of part-time work was daunting. At the time I started the course I was not confident to look for work, but the more I went into the “office” the more my confidence grew.
The Pitman Centre in Glasgow is a very casual/informal office environment, with absolutely no pressure and time for tea/coffee whenever I like.
All I had to do was book my time in advance and I felt I had complete control of my own time for studying. I also continued the learning at home in between visits to Glasgow.
It is absolutely incredible the difference I feel at the end of the course to when I first started.
I am now looking forward to finding suitable part time work alongside my carer role, and feel I have gained the confidence to become a valuable member of the team at my local hospital.
Thank you again for all your assistance.”
EC – Medical
“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
‘’Both Carol & Liz attended the Professional Receptionist Training course on Friday 31st January in Edinburgh held by Pitman Training. Both enjoyed the course and thought it was beneficial and relevant to their place of employment.
Since the course they both feel more confident and understand a lot more about what is required of a Receptionist.’’
Professional Receptionist
“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
“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
For individuals who have never used Project or have only used Project for limited tasks. At the end of the 2-day sessions you will be able to create professional-looking planning documentation. What you will learn: Project Introduction – Ribbon bar overview, task area, Gantt chart area, view navigation, starting a project overview, project calendars. Resources...
This 2-day course is aimed at individuals who manage small projects, along with their other everyday tasks and need a broad understanding of the principles of project management. The course provides an overview of project management and introduces areas where other, more specific training may be beneficial. What you will learn: Identify the various stages...
In this course we will look at what business writing is, how to do it and how to do it well. Although business writing can seem a little overwhelming to begin with, it can be relatively easy to learn – once you understand the basics of what is required. What you will learn: Introduction –...
Assertiveness This workshop is about helping you recognize your own type of behavior and how you come across to others. It will help you to identify situations in which you would like to be less aggressive or less passive and learn how to be assertive in these situations. The course will show you how to...
As you develop as a manager you are even less involved in the day-to-day delivery of the work. Your success depends on your ability to manage your team, manage others who supervise and manage technical specialists. Your role is less about your technical skills and will demand even higher levels of people skills. Your coaching...
For individuals who are new to Photoshop or have only used Photoshop for limited tasks. During the course you will learn the fundamentals of the Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud from our certified Adobe Instructor. Classes are small group sessions guaranteeing time for practical training and questions and feedback from our tutor. What you will learn:...
This workshop is ideal for anyone who wishes to improve their self-managing techniques, achieve more in their working day and gain more balance in their lives. Spending 1-day learning how to manage your time – will save you hours! What you will learn: To take an objective look at how you spend your time at...
For individuals who are already using Excel, this course will streamline and perfect their Excel skills by teaching the more intermediate features available in the application. What you will learn: Formula – Vlookups, IF Statements, SumIf, CountIf, Text formula, Concatenate, linking spreadsheets. Utilities – Protecting data, hide and unhide data, named ranges, working with dates,...
The aim of this course is to learn how to develop and apply the skills of influential communication. What you will learn: To understand how we are influenced. How to tailor your communications for different people and situations. To communicate confidently and with purpose. How to put across complex ideas in simple, understandable ways. How...
This 1-day workshop will help you choose the correct style and tone for a report and clearly define your purpose. It will revisit the key principles of grammar, punctuation and spelling and is aimed at anyone involved in writing on behalf of their employer, and those for whom reports are or will be integral to...
Assertiveness This workshop is about helping you recognize your own type of behavior and how you come across to others. It will help you to identify situations in which you would like to be less aggressive or less passive and learn how to be assertive in these situations. The course will show you how to...
For individuals who are already using Excel, this course will streamline and perfect their Excel skills by teaching the more intermediate features available in the application. What you will learn: Formula – Vlookups, IF Statements, SumIf, CountIf, Text formula, Concatenate, linking spreadsheets. Utilities – Protecting data, hide and unhide data, named ranges, working with dates,...
Learn how you can leverage Power BI to easily build reports and dashboards with interactive visualizations. Connect to and visualize any data using the unified, scalable platform for self-service and enterprise business intelligence (BI) that’s easy to use and helps you gain deeper data insight. What you will learn: Design a data model. Introduction to...
This practical workshop is ideal for those who need to build effective working relationships or depend on effective communication in critical situations. It will also benefit those who would like to develop their own skills and confidence in communication generally. What you will learn: Practical verbal and non-verbal communication The importance of rapport and how...
For Individuals who already use Excel to an Intermediate level. This course will teach you how to use Excel to analyze, collaborate and validate with Advanced features and tools which are extremely useful for auditing and streamlining your workflow. What you will learn: Macros – Editing and deleting macros, recording macros, customizing ribbon. Review Data...
For Individuals who have never used Project. The course is designed to cover all aspects of Project at an Introduction level; to provide you with a good overall grasp of the application – it’s different areas, features and how these can be adapted within a working environment. What you will learn: Project Environment – Starting...
For anyone who organizes and takes minutes at meetings and those who would like to do this role to a professional standard. What you will learn: The difference between formal and informal meetings. How to set out an agenda. Tips and techniques for note taking. The role of the minute taker What minutes are and...
This workshop is ideal for anyone who wishes to improve their self-managing techniques, achieve more in their working day and gain more balance in their lives. Spending 1-day learning how to manage your time – will save you hours! What you will learn: To take an objective look at how you spend your time at...
For Individuals who have never used PowerPoint or have only used it for limited tasks. At the end of the course, you will be able to create professional-looking presentations. What you will learn: Initial screen and data entry – Introduction to the PowerPoint App, inserting and selecting text, moving, and resizing objects, adding new slides....
For individuals who have never used a word processing package before or have only used Word for limited tasks. At the end of the day, you will be able to create professional looking Word documents. What you will learn: Introduction – screen layout, ribbon bar, entering and editing text, spell and grammar checking, change case,...
This 2-day workshop is ideal for any PA looking to increase the contribution they make to their organisation. It is also aimed at secretaries who wish to develop and move up to the role of a PA. What you will learn: To understand the role of the Executive PA To learn to communicate effectively at...
Learn how you can leverage Power BI to easily build reports and dashboards with interactive visualizations. Connect to and visualize any data using the unified, scalable platform for self-service and enterprise business intelligence (BI) that’s easy to use and helps you gain deeper data insight. What you will learn Get to know the Microsoft Power...
This course is designed to understand what stress is, where it comes from and how it can affect you and those around you. As well as what you can do about it. What you will learn: Understand what stress means to you and how your body reacts to stress. Identify your own pressure and stress...
This 1-day workshop has been developed for people who would like to improve their telephone communication skills. It is particularly aimed at those who use the telephone as an important part of their job role. What you will learn: Improved communication skills The importance of voice and attitude Listening skills and questioning techniques. To sound...
CPD Accredited Tutor led training, delivered in person – available on our schedule timetables in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Can be delivered via virtual classrooms or onsite at your workplace. Aim: This course will introduce participants to the issues, methodologies and techniques of training design and delivery. Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants...
IT and Adobe Training Workshops AVAILABLE IN GLASGOW & EDINBURGH ON DEMAND - PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS Adobe Illustrator For Individuals who are new to illustrator or have only used Illustrator for limited tasks. During the course you will learn the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud from our certified Adobe Instructor. Classes...
CPD Accredited Tutor led training, delivered in person – available on our schedule timetables in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Can be delivered via virtual classrooms or onsite at your workplace. Aim: This course will introduce participants to the issues, methodologies and techniques of training design and delivery. Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants...
For individuals who have never used spreadsheets or the Excel application before or only used Excel for limited tasks. At the end of the day, you will be able to create professional-looking spreadsheets. What you will learn: An Introduction to Excel - the ribbon bar, enter move and clear data, saving in Excel, creating new...
For individuals who are already using Excel, this course will streamline and perfect their Excel skills by teaching the more intermediate features available in the application. What you will learn: Formula – Vlookups, IF Statements, SumIf, CountIf, Text formula, Concatenate, linking spreadsheets. Utilities – Protecting data, hide and unhide data, named ranges, working with dates,...