training courses for young PA?

[DuaneJackson]

I could really do with some suggestions here.

We have a young PA that started with us a month or so ago. She's a school leaver and this is her first job. She's very sharp and I'm hoping she'll stay with us for some time. She'll be getting a payrise in another few weeks and we also want to put her on some trainign course, but we're not sure what's avaiable and what would be suitable.

Her job is pretty much answering phones, filing, managing diaries for myself and my partner, chasing invoices and bit's of donkey work (OK, OK, so "PA" isn't the best job title!)

Do any of you guys know of any course that might be suitable?

[virtuallysorted]

Our local college does something called a "European Computer Driving Licence" (ECDL) which does a variety of useful training for PAs (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets & databases, internet, powerpoint presentations etc).

You do a couple of intro sessions on site & then the rest of the course is completed in the student's own time (i.e. during quiet times @ your office!).

I'd imagine you can probably get some funding towards this too - check with Business Gateway?

[coxadmin]

I used to work in the Vocational Training Unit at our local college and there was a day release course in Administration available - it was under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

I just had a look on Yell.co.uk for a college near you that runs a course and Leicester College of Technology runs OCR certificates and diplomas in Administration http://www.leicester-college.co.uk/ocr.htm - I don't know if they're on a day release.

[bitsnstuff]

Have you considered something like http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/findacourse/ ?

I did the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Private Secretary Diploma, which would probably be a bit much, but worthwhile if she is interested in gaining the big secretarial salaries (probably not what you want to hear though :lol: ). However, alongside that course, I also did various Pitman examinations and they would probably be more suitable, as she could gradually work her way up the various levels.

Kate

[SmallBizSoftware]

Duane

Check out NVQ courses in administration or customer services. Learn Direct should be able to help.

[Cornish Steve]

Duane,

As a favor to a fellow UKBF member, I'd be glad to enrol her in our program at no charge. Our first three courses would be very relevant for a young PA.

We begin our next introductory course on August 13. She would need to spend six hours a week on course activities. Access to a computer and the Internet is required; teammates communicate by discussion board, email, instant messaging, and Skype. Access to MS Word and PowerPoint is preferred.

Just let me know if you are interested.

[DuaneJackson]

Thanks guys for all you feedback, very useful.

The admin and customer service stuff sounds like a good idea. I'm getting her to have a look at Learn Direct herself. I'd rather she went on a course she actually *wants* to do rather than something I want her to do! As long as it's relevant ofcourse.

Steve, thanks for your kind offer. Could you give me some more info on the course? my email is djackson at keyone dot co dot uk. I'm curious as to why you're loitering on a UK board if you ae in GA?

[Cornish Steve]

I'm curious as to why you're loitering on a UK board if you are in GA?

Duane,

A logical question! Here's why I haunt this place...

1) I am a Brit, although I've lived for many years in the US.

2) Our courses work best when we include participants from different countries (our beta trial proved that beyond any doubt).

3) I like to keep my pulse on all relevant markets for our courses.

4) I miss British humour (or is that humor?). :)

Please don't be concerned about the differences between American English and British English; we address them early on in our courses. The benefits of participating in an international training program outweigh the disadvantages. The international dimension is educational in its own right; the principles of good writing and effective communication transcend minor differences in spelling and convention.

Thinking about it, I have to thank the moderators for never questioning my sincerity. They've let me participate in this forum without ever asking why someone from Atlanta would want to spend time here. I hope I've not been too much of a gate-crasher.

I shall email you.

[Mark Powell]

GBD Learning and Development run a number of courses which would be relevant.

http://www.business-courses.co.uk/

I'm one of their trainers for their management courses so can vouch for their quality.