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“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.”

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

“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!”

“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.”