Office Skills Diploma

Name: Office Skills Diploma
Author: David McLachlan

A great diploma that can help open the doors to a variety of careers thanks to its unique tailor-made set up. You could work towards any number of office administration type careers in roles such as Medical Secretary, Legal Secretary, PA, EA or Office Manager. Alternatively, you could utilise the skills gained to kick-start a rewarding career in an accounting role with positions such as Bookkeeper, Accounts Assistant or Finance Assistant.

CORE COURSES

With our Office Skills Diploma, you choose any four core courses from the below list. Please note alternative subjects may be chosen if more suitable to your existing skills and career. Our Course Advisors can assist further with tailoring this diploma to your requirements.

Word

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

Word Expert

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

Excel

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

Excel Expert

Our Excel Expert level course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to use this popular spreadsheet programme to an advanced level. Over a series of self-paced lessons you’ll learn how to perform tasks such as conditional formatting, recording and running macros, working with pivot tables and using statistical functions.

Outlook

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

PowerPoint

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

Bookkeeping Transactions and Controls – Part 1

People with strong bookkeeping skills are always in demand. This course is designed to give you an advantage over others with less experience, teaching you double-entry bookkeeping.

Sage 50 Accounts

Sage 50 Accounts will equip you with the skills you need to get a good job in an accounts department, or to work for yourself by offering accounting administration services to local firms.

Effective Business Communication

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

Course Info

Duration 90 hours flexi study or 4 weeks full-time (Full-time based on approx 20-30 hours a week)

Training Type Diploma

Study Type In centre, Online

Awards & Qualifications

Awarded 90 CPD points upon successful completion

Is this course right for me?

CAREER PATH

Awarded 90 CPD points upon successful completion

Duration 90 hours flexi study or 4 weeks full-time (Full-time based on approx 20-30 hours a week)

Course Content

This diploma is fully customisable, allowing you to select four courses that best suit your requirements to help you gain professional expertise in your chosen subjects.

Gain practical, work-ready skills to help start your administration career.

Employers are always on the lookout for people with practical, know-how who can add value to their business from day one. So, if you’ve just left college, want to work in an office environment or are coming back into the world of employment after a break, the Office Skills Diploma could be the ideal training for you.

Build the foundation for success with this tailor-made diploma.

This is a popular training programme as it allows you to take full control and choose the courses you want to study. Its flexibility means you could be learning a wide range of essential skills such as Microsoft Office, Bookkeeping, Sage Accounts and Effective Business Communication for example. There are plenty of options available with over 200 courses to choose from, so you can tailor the diploma to suit you.

Want to know more about how to create your perfect training programme? Simply get in touch with a Course Advisor at your nearest centre and they will work with you to select the courses that will give you the skills you require.

Gain a broad range of skills as well as the confidence in your abilities to put them straight into action in the workplace.

Course Overview

What will you get in return?

A Pitman Training diploma is one of the most prestigious training programmes you can complete, from one of the most highly regarded training organisations in the world. Businesses throughout the UK recognise the Pitman Training name as a sign that you have been trained to the very highest level. With your Office Skills Diploma, you’ll have world-class skills to get a job as a highly valued, well-paid office assistant.

PRE-REQUISITES

There are no specific pre-requisites for this diploma.

May 2024

May 7 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Excel Intermediate

Excel Intermediate

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 7 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Time Management

Time Management

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 7 Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

May 8 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Influencing Skills

Influencing Skills

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 8 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Report Writing

Report Writing

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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

Excel Intermediate

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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

Personal Development Workshops – Assertiveness

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 13 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Power BI Intermediate

Power BI Intermediate

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 14 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Excel Advanced

Excel Advanced

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 14 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Communication Skills

Communication Skills

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 15 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Microsoft Project Introduction

Microsoft Project Introduction

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 15 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Meetings and Minutes

Meetings and Minutes

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Testimonials

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

DT – Executive PA Diploma

“I studied the Legal Secretarial Diploma with Pitman because I wanted to have some formal IT qualifications and was interested in finding work in the legal or property sector. Before taking the course I was doing housekeeping and cleaning work and I had decided I wanted to look for something with a more administrative focus.
I had used computers a lot before doing the diploma but I now feel like I have a much better and more organised understanding of programmes like Microsoft Word and Excel and I am confident enough to experiment with them.
I thought I could already type very well but I am so much faster now that I’ve done the Typaz and speed development courses.
I have just been offered a job as a Plans Officer with Registers of Scotland through the Pertemps agency. I wouldn’t have been able to apply for this job without my Pitman diploma.
I would definitely recommend Pitman to others, especially other graduates, because it gives you more confidence and more options. I liked being able to work at my own pace and the supervisors in the training room were really helpful with all my modules.”

HB – Legal Secretarial

General Diploma, Legal Secretarial, Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

Very good, no improvements to suggest. Marion was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Joyce – Governance manager – Better Business Writing

Better Business Writing, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Our trainer was excellent, by bringing real life examples it makes it easier to put into context.

Lesley – Operational Risk Analyst – Meetings and Minutes

General PD, Meetings and Minutes, Organisations Testimonials

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

William – Maintenance Chargehand – Supervisory Skills

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Supervisory Skills

“Our Trainer was excellent, this is the most knowledge I have ever taken from a course.”

Carol—-Edinburgh Business School

Organisations Testimonials, Supervisory Skills

“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

Book-Keeping, General Diploma, Private Individuals

“I successfully completed Executive PA Diploma at Pitman in 2013. With the help of Pitman training I also gained Microsoft 2010 Master Qualification which enabled me to become a confident and proficient administrator in record times.
But most importantly, Pitman training changed my life, forever and beyond I could have ever imagined. I did not have a job and had a very low self-confidence. It took me a while to have a courage and sign up for the advanced course that I had chosen, but I never looked back since that moment and everything in my life went on from strength to strength.
The staff became my second family and I would like to thank you for making me a better person. Every day you were transforming a young girl into a confident successful woman. We, as students are so lucky to have you.
After completing Pitman I was working for a Law Company, Edinburgh College and sat further exams that enabled me to progress further in my career.
I have recently been accepted for the position of Sales Consultant with Travelex. It took me just 7 days to get approved for the job since I saw the vacancy at the Job Fair and had a phone call to congratulate me for getting the job!!
I owe a lot in my life to Pitman Training. It truly changes lives, it gives confidence in your professional abilities, provides you with necessary qualifications to get that Dream Job!!”

DT – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, General Courses, General Diploma, Private Individuals

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

General PD, Influencing Skills, Organisations Testimonials

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

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

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

SH – IT Assistant

IT Technical, Private Individuals

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

MO – Fast Track Diploma

Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

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

Sam – Customer Services Administration – Speedwriting

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Speedwriting

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

JW – ECDL

ECDL, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

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

CC – Diploma

General Diploma

“I found the style of teaching, materials provided, seminars, the instructors’ behaviour and attitude, of excellent quality and standards. I am happy.”

SD – Executive PA Diploma

General Courses, Private Individuals

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

Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

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

Louise – Commercial Manager – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

“I studied the Accounting Technician Diploma with Pitman Training in Edinburgh. I decided to do this course, as I was just about to be made redundant, and decided that I wanted to gain some new skills to help me when applying for a new job. I was also thinking about starting my own company, and thought that finance studies would never go wrong.
A couple of months after redundancy, I got a temporary post at SAMH, and then applied and got my current post as the HRD (Human Resources & Development) Administrator. Although I hadn’t completed the course when I got my job, the skills I had learnt so far has helped me out in my new job, as I have to monitor budgets and make monthly reports to my boss.
I enjoy learning at Pitman. You learn at your own speed, which makes it all much easier. This is the second course I’ve done at Pitman, and would recommend it to anyone.”

LM – Accounting Technician Diploma

Book-Keeping, Private Individuals

“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

Legal Secretarial, Private Individuals

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

Louise —PA to the Chief Executive Change Recruitment Group

Executive PA, Organisations Testimonials

‘’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

Organisations Testimonials, Professional Receptionist

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

C N – Executive Assistant

Private Individuals

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

Paul – Problem Manager – Communication Skills

Communication Skills, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

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

DB – Word and Microsoft Office Plus Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

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

MC—-Project Officer

Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

“This was one of the most useful training sessions I have ever been to.The tutor gave a lot of practical advice and I thought asking people to commit to action plans to take advice back to the workplace was great.The trainer really listened to people and made sure everyone’s objectives were dealt with fully.”

Zoe Westwood—–Project Officer—-Changeworks

Organisations Testimonials, Time Management

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

Tracey – Employer Engagement Officer – Communication Skills

Communication Skills, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

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

Word Introduction Andy McDougall—–National MuseumsScotland

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

The trainer was very responsible and a very clear communicator. Paid attention to what people in the group said and made the day enjoyable and very worthwhile.

Kenneth – Faculty Head Sciences – Time Management

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Time Management

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

Fiona – Trainee Administrator – Assertiveness

Assertiveness, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Julie was excellent, she has given me the tools and skills to go forward as a trainer and do it confidently.

Natalie – Business Travel Consultant – Train The Trainer

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

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

Bob—–Co-ordinator—–Voluntary Sector

Organisations Testimonials, Time Management

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

Paula – Assistant Visitor Experience Manager – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

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

J M – Management Support Officer

Private Individuals

“I started doing a Secretarial Diploma at Pitman because I had been working in retail since graduating from university in 2008. I had pretty good admin skills but no qualifications and felt like I was stuck in a rut. Pitman was a perfect fit for me because I was working shifts at my job at Glasgow Science Centre and could come in whenever I was free.
At first I thought I was just going to be getting a qualification for skills I already had but I actually learned a lot more than I expected. Modules like Effective Business Communication were helpful and I did electives in Access and Introduction to Medical Secretary which was extremely helpful in getting my new job.
In May 2013, before I had even completed my diploma, I started my job as an Audio Typist for the NHS. I had been searching the NHS pages before I started my diploma and it took the help of Pitman to actually help me find a job. My typing and audio typing skills along with the medical terminology learned in Pitman have been essential in my progress within my job with my manager telling me she feels I have a career in the NHS ahead of me.
I just discovered today that I received a distinction for my diploma and am now thinking of where to move up within my new sector. Without Pitman, I don’t think I would have been able to get out of retail so I’m very happy to have chosen to take this course!”

EJ – Secretarial Diploma

General Diploma, Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

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

Julie – Manager – Outlook

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Outlook Seminar

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

L D

Minutes and Note Taking, Organisations Testimonials

“I have recently just completed the ‘Accounting Technician Diploma’ which was fantastic. This Diploma was great as it enabled me to get a good insight into each course required to work in an accounting environment.
Before my training I was living and working abroad in Spain and France, were I was learning the local language and teaching English to both adults and children.
On my return to Scotland I started my own small business as franchisee for ‘La Jolie Ronde’ where I am a Licensee for the company. I actually found this business opportunity whilst still living abroad in France on line and applied from there.
When I just started this business 3 years ago my knowledge of how to keep my books under control to help view profits and fill tax returns was nonexistent, but now thanks to the course at Pitman I am in full control of my accounts : )
I may also want to widen my job options as my business is only part time, I am thinking of possibly applying for account assistant positions in the near future and I am sure with my training at Pitman and my Certificate to back it up, I should have a good chance of securing employment.
I enjoyed my learning experience so much at Pitman
The staff that work there are all so lovely and very helpful, and I am sure you will see me again in the future back to study another course.
Thanks a lot for all your help.”

SB – Accounting Technician Diploma

Book-Keeping, General Diploma, Private Individuals

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

RA – Legal Secretarial Diploma

Legal Secretarial, Private Individuals

Clear and easy to follow instructions.

Karen – Cashroom Assistant – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

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

CB – Medical and Microsoft Office

Medical, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

“I recently studied Marketing Essential with Pitman Training. I currently deal with marketing in my business. As Managing Director and Marketing Director I felt it necessary to gain some formal training in marketing.
Pitman Training’s course allowed me to study at my own pace in my own time and at my convenience – thus alleviating the stress that returning to study can cause. The on hand tutors provided efficient and effective back up and the training room was a peaceful and relaxed area to study.
I thoroughly recommend Pitman Training – and even signed up for a Diploma course with them as a direct result of enjoying the Marketing Essentials Course.”

GS – Marketing Essentials

General Courses, Private Individuals

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

HG – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

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

N G – Legal Secretary

Private Individuals

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

Rosemary – Wind Farm Developer – Project Management Principles

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Project Management

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

VH – Medical Secretary Diploma

General Diploma, Medical, Private Individuals

“I 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

General Courses, Medical, Private Individuals

“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

Executive PA, General Diploma, Private Individuals

“When I first came to Pitman my life was at a bit of a crossroads. I had just been made redundant from a job I had worked in for almost 13 years. I had been a hallmarker, putting hallmarks on pieces of jewellery. Although quite a skilled job, outside of this specialised profession my skills and experience were now to be useless in what was a tough and competitive job market.
So here I was out in the real world again, and in my mid 40’s too. This was when I decided, with some coaxing from my wife to go to Pitman and eventually enrolled in the Book Keeping level 2 module 1. The advisor explained the courses available and gave me some extra confidence that I could complete the course. I hadn’t done any real studying since I had left school many years ago, and was only barely computer literate but I soon got into the swing of things and started to really enjoy my course. The supervisors were always very helpful and I liked the peaceful, friendly environment to study in.
I had not long completed (and passed with distinction) my course when I was lucky enough to get a job as an accounts assistant with Menzies Distribution, in one of the biggest accounts departments in Edinburgh which I had seen advertised at the job centre. I had only been unemployed for 3 month but I’m sure that through my new qualification and support from Pitman I had now found a new Job in a completely different field.
I have now been at Menzies for over 2 years, and have recently returned to Pitman to study Sage 50 with plans to do Microsoft Excel next. I proved to myself that it’s never too late to start studying again.”

MB – Book-Keeping

Book-Keeping, General Courses, Private Individuals

“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

IT Technical, Private Individuals

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