Pitman Training Group

Help save wasted hours & make your mark in the office!
A core role in any office admin, secretarial or PA job is supporting your team, aiding productivity and efficiency in an otherwise manic world! Time is precious and meetings can often be a thorn in our side. Thousands of hours are wasted in the British workforce through ‘having meetings’ – but when used properly, productively and proficiently they can be very valuable forms of communication.

Lesson One

What minutes are, the cycle of a meeting, different types of meeting, the purposes and benefits of meetings, the roles of chair, attendee and minute taker, the tasks that a minute Successful Meetings and Minutes taker might undertake before the meeting, notice of the meeting, arranging the venue and refreshments, preparing the agenda,
dealing with documents that may be needed for a meeting, distributing the agenda, last minute preparations.

Lesson Two

Definition of the role of the minute taker, preparation for the start of the meeting, the four steps of listening, skills to speed up your note taking, what to note down in a meeting, the importance of the liaison between minute taker and chair,
confidence, assertiveness.

Lesson Three

Grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, how to use reported speech, word processing skills, proofreading, typing up the minutes, distributing the minutes.

This workshop is designed to provide new managers with a range of tools and techniques that enable them to effectively communicate, delegate, motivate and inspire their teams. We will address how to overcome negative attitudes and behaviours in order to create a positive work environment and high performing teams.

Workshops are delivered by an experienced business leader who excels at getting the best from the people they work with. You will learn in a small group of like-minded professionals to maximise interaction during the workshop and the practical nature
of your learning.

Workshop Content

Throughout the course of nine practical activities we will develop your skills in the following areas:
• Learning to listen properly
• How to delegate and understanding effective delegation techniques
• An introduction to induction and the training of new staff
• Getting the results you know your team are capable of
• How to motivate
• Dealing with negative attitudes
• To build a positive environment
• Understanding and developing leadership skills
• How to give and take criticism

From the expert in secretarial and shorthand training, Pitman Training’s Speedwriting course is a new way to learn the BakerWrite Speedwriting system in just one day. It will help you accurately record the spoken word, to speeds of up to 40 wpm.

Benefits of this Speedwriting Workshop?

- Learn an easier way to take and transcribe meeting notes and minutes.

- You get the flexibility and value of training.

- Gain new-found productivity at work, which could open new doors for promotion.

During the course of the day, you'll cover three lessons: 

Lesson One: Silent letters and vowels, phonetics and prefixes, exercises and dictation practice. 

Lesson Two: More prefixes, use of subscript and superscript, exercises and dictation practice. 

Lesson Three: Suffixes, exercises and dictation practice, dictation passages.

Time management training increases your productivity and efficiency - and this is the perfect time management course for anyone who wants to get more done in less time.

Programme Content

• Understanding Time Management
• Principles of Prioritization and Organisation
• Tools for Time Management
• Enhancing Productivity with Microsoft Outlook
• Developing Time Management Strategies
• Implementing Effective Time Management Practices

Delegates attending this workshop will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the integral role sustainability plays in today's business environment.

By learning how to intertwine sustainable practices within their strategic decisions, leaders will be better equipped to drive responsible growth, enhance stakeholder value, and ensure their business's long-term success.

The insights shared through case studies and hands-on activities will offer practical ways for business owners and senior managers to transform their organisations into more resilient, forward-thinking entities.

Programme Content

• Understanding Sustainability
• Business Case for Sustainability
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Building a Sustainable Business Culture
• Communication and Reporting
• Strategies for Sustainable Growth
• Interactive Workshop

Effective communication skills are essential to master as they’re often at the top of the list of qualities demanded by employers. In this course over five modules you’ll begin by looking at the definition of effective business communication, the use of appropriate language and tone, how to plan your communication and the forms of written communication.

You’ll also cover face-to-face communication, how to communicate effectively by phone, presentation skills and listening skills.

This is a truly comprehensive communications training course, which can be studied flexibly either within one of our centres or online, at home or work.

There are 5 lessons in this training course

Lesson One: You will look at the definition of business communication and the different methods of communicating in business.
Lesson Two: You’ll focus on the appropriate use of tone and language in your communications.
Lesson Three: Will look at planning your communication and the different forms of written business communications.
Lesson Four: You will cover face-to-face and phone communications as well as focussing on listening skills, questioning skills, body language and personal networking.
Lesson Five: This lesson focuses on presentation skills and will look at how to alleviate fears associated with delivering a presentation, preparing and structuring a presentation and more.

Through studying this communications course, you will learn how to communicate effectively and professionally within the business environment, and be able to demonstrate the practical skills you’ll have gained.

This seminar is suitable for anyone representing the company in a front-line reception position, or who is expected to deputise in this important role from time to time, and who needs to make the right impact on the front desk.

By the end of the course you will be able to

• Relate to the importance of the receptionist role and what is involved
• Perform the front of house role with increased confidence 
• Apply the right attitude whatever the circumstances 
• Make a first impression people remember
• Acquire a confident and friendly telephone manner 
• Deal with difficult people and situations by applying a developed strategy 
• Gain new skills and polish up existing ones to make the role your own.

Programme Content

Introduction & Workshop Objectives
The link between Attitude and Performance 
The Role of the Receptionist
The Essentials of Good Telephone Manners
The Importance of the Company Image
Practical Activities
The Way Forward.

This course – designed to help you understand the principles of business accountancy - will provide managers and professionals with the ability to confidently read and interrogate financial statements.
Comprising five lessons, our business accounts training is designed to help you understand balance sheets, profit and loss (P&L) accounts including stock-taking, depreciation, capital and revenue expenditure. You will also learn about accruals and the role of capital and reserves.
The final lesson considers profit margins, analysing a profit and loss account and how to make comparisons on financial statements

There are five lessons in this course:

Lesson One: Fixed and current assets, debtors and creditors, the accounting equation. capital and reserves, the purpose and layout of a balance sheet
Lesson Two: The purpose of a profit and loss account, the importance of stock-taking, depreciation, capital and revenue expenditure.
Lesson Three: Accruals, provisions, prepayments, the role of capital and reserves.
Lesson Four: The importance of the profit and loss account, calculating profit at various levels.
Lesson Five: The meaning of profit margins, making comparisons on financial statements, analysing a profit and loss account.

This seminar is suitable for people at all levels who want to produce clearer and more powerful written communication appropriate to their audience. Those who want to write in good style and tone for every type of document.

Programme content

Prioritising the Course Objectives
The Fundamentals of Grammar for Business
Using Plain English
Getting the ‘Tone’ Right
How to Plan the Document
Producing the First Draft ... FAST
The Way Forward

This workshop aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate components of global business travel planning, from understanding corporate travel policies to selecting the right service providers and effectively managing travel documents.
We will also focus on developing strategies to handle unforeseen changes and emergencies efficiently.
Through a series of interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and enlightening discussions, our objective is to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills that will enhance your proficiency, improve your confidence, and elevate the quality of service you provide in your crucial role.

Programme content

• Understanding the Role of Personal Assistants in Business Travel
• Understanding Business Travel Requirements and Preferences
• Choosing the Right Travel Services
• Best Practices for Booking Flights
• Best Practices for Booking Accommodations
• Understanding and Managing Travel Documents and Visa Processes
• Dealing with Unforeseen Circumstances and Emergencies.

Getting under the skin of events means they become easier to manage. Event organising is no walk in the park and there are many complexities that go into making an event a success.

There are six sessions in the Event Management Essentials workshop:

Part One: The role of event management, classifying different types of event, recognising common features, understanding the impact of size and complexity, knowing about uncertainty in events, identifying the different stages of an event.

Part Two: Establishing the aims and objectives of an event, identifying key parties, deciding on the size of the event, identifying where and when an event should take place, costing and pricing different proposed events, establishing whether an event is achievable, identifying events that will appeal to the target market.

Part Three: Forming an event management team, recruiting staff and volunteers, reporting and communicating among and between teams, creating an event plan, booking special guests, using external providers, managing teams.

Part Four: Attracting and managing sponsorship, other sources of funding for events, promoting the event (including social media event marketing), managing registration, types of tickets, managing logistics, contingency planning.

Part Five: Risk management, laying out the venue, liaising with the venue owner and external providers, sending out information to delegates and guests, rehearsals and pre-event briefings.

Part Six: The role of the event manager during the event, how event managers handle common problems, clearing up after the event, evaluating the event, analysing feedback, final administrative tasks, post event promotion, careers in event
management.

It is most appropriate for Personal Assistants, senior secretaries, management assistants and executive assistants who are looking to develop their role.The aims are to improve your insights and gain up to date techniques and tactics in line with the higher level responsibilities and the changing expectations of the PA/EA role.

Course duration

2 days

Course programme

• The Role of the PA/Executive Assistant
• Getting the most out of your working relationships
• Building Confidence and Assertiveness
• Taking more control and responsibility
• Decision making/ problem solving and organising and managing small events/ projects
• Role Effectiveness
• Future development for your role.

HR is a vital function in any organisation as it’s responsible for , staff training and development, employee relations, Industrial relations and organisational development to name just a few. Working within the HR department is a fulfilling role and it’s essential that those working in this area are knowledgeable, skilled and trained. You’ll be dealing with delicate and confidential matters daily and everything has to be handled correctly, and lawfully.

Course programme

• The role of HR
• Reasons for recruiting
• Recruitment methods
• Effective job advertisements
• Interviews
• Job offers
• Contracts
• Onboarding & Inductions
• GDPR
• And more

Participating in this workshop offers delegates a transformative opportunity to seamlessly integrate sustainability into their professional lives.

By mastering these easily adoptable habits, attendees can drive positive environmental impact, enhance workplace efficiency, and foster a culture of conscious corporate responsibility.

Beyond mere knowledge, this session equips professionals with actionable strategies, ensuring that they emerge not just as employees, but as forward-thinking eco-advocates in their organizations.

Programme content

• Digital Minimalism
• Paperless Operations
• Energy-Efficient Workspaces
• Green Commuting
• Responsible Printing
• Conscious Breaks
• E-Waste Management
• Virtual Collaboration Tools
• Continuous Learning & Advocacy
• Interactive Workshop
• Action Planning

Join us for an exciting in-person event at Pitman Training Ipswich! Discover how our career-focused courses can help you achieve your goals. Whether you're looking to upskill, change careers, or enhance your current skills, this Open Day is the perfect opportunity to explore your options.

Location: 12 Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3DB

During the Open Day, you'll have the chance to speak with our experienced tutors, learn about our flexible study options, and get a taste of our state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you're interested in IT, business, finance, or administration courses, we have something for everyone.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to take the first step towards your dream career. Mark your calendar and join us for the Open Day!

Join us for an exciting in-person event at Pitman Training's Open Day in Central London!

Discover the world of opportunities that await you on Thu Aug 10 2023 at 4 Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1A 2RP. Whether you're looking to enhance your career prospects, gain new skills, or explore a different field, this event is perfect for you.

At Pitman Training, we believe in providing high-quality training and support to help individuals achieve their goals. Our Open Day offers a unique chance to meet our experienced trainers, get a glimpse of our state-of-the-art facilities, and learn more about our wide range of courses. Whether you're interested in IT, business, finance, or administration, we have something for everyone.

During the event, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in interactive demonstrations, and even try out some of our training materials. Our friendly team will be on hand to guide you through the various options and help you find the perfect course to suit your needs.

Come join us for an exciting day at our Open Day in Croydon! Discover the endless possibilities and opportunities that await you in the world of professional development.

Location: 2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon, CR9 2ER

Whether you're looking to enhance your current skills, explore new career paths, or simply broaden your knowledge, our Open Day is the perfect chance to meet industry experts, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and learn more about our comprehensive range of courses.

Discover how our flexible learning options, including online and in-person training, can fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. Our experienced team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide personalised guidance on the best course options for your goals.

Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step towards a successful and fulfilling career. Mark your calendars and join us at the Open Day in Croydon. We can't wait to meet you!

Join us for an exciting Open Day at our Chelmsford centre. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, change careers, or simply explore new opportunities, this event is perfect for you!

At our Moulsham Street Centre, you'll have the chance to meet our friendly team, who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Discover our range of flexible training courses designed to meet the demands of today's job market.

During the Open Day, you can explore our state-of-the-art facilities and get a taste of what it's like to study with us. Experience our interactive learning resources and see how our expert trainers can support your educational journey.

Whether you're interested in improving your IT skills, gaining a professional qualification, or boosting your career prospects, our Open Day is the perfect opportunity to find out more. Don't miss this chance to take the next step towards your goals!

We look forward to welcoming you to our Open Day in Chelmsford!

Our Marketing Essentials course has been developed to give an insight to those new to marketing, an understanding of the concepts and processes involved in how a company effectively places itself and its products in the marketplace.

In today’s market, driving business forward is a tough and highly competitive game. Beating competitors and increasing profit is at the forefront of many business development plans – pushing marketing forward as a fundamental sales channel.
The course will take around 8-10 hours to complete and can be studied at times to suit you using our self-study method meaning you can take it at your own pace.
On successful completion of the course you will gain a renowned Pitman Training certificate which will set your CV apart from the crowd.

With this certificate on your CV you can work towards roles such as Marketing Assistant, Social Media Manager, Marketing Manager, Events Manager or even be able to start thinking about marketing your own entrepreneurial venture!

Happy customers keep coming back and recommend others. This day is for people new to customer service or who need an injection of fresh ideas. You will redefine service levels and leave with the understanding, skills and commitment to deliver a world class service.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Inspire a service culture where professionalism and enthusiasm are fused
together
• Build on existing capabilities and re-focus attitudes and skills to proactively meet current and future challenges
• Demonstrate what comprises an extraordinary service attitude and approach
• Develop skills in communication and behavioural flexibility - dealing with different people and challenging situations
• Enhance complaint-handling skills and understand how to turn the situation around
to gain a positive outcome

Programme content

• Introduction & Workshop Objectives
• Why Extraordinary Service?
• Who Are Your Customers?
• Perception – How People See Us
• Skills For Personal Development
• Complaints or Resolving Issues
• Integration and Application

Are you contemplating a career change, but uncertainty holds you back? Join our free webinar, Changing Careers with Confidence, featuring Pitman Training's very own Career Coach Amy Wesson.

Gain insights into the reasons propelling your desire for change and learn how to build a solid understanding of your prospective field. You'll also discover how to leverage your existing skills for a seamless transition, explore effective ways to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field and equip yourself with strategies to provide compelling answers to interview questions. Don't miss out, register now!