Search on for firms’ emerging secretarial stars (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Search on for firms’ emerging secretarial stars

3:23pm Thursday 17th May 2007 in Hampshire Business

PITMAN Training Centres in Winchester and Eastleigh are planning to offer free secretarial diploma opportunities in the coming months.

As part of a government initiative, project director, Martin Ladd, is on the lookout for emerging secretarial stars as he seeks companies with employees who would like to gain an Oxford Cambridge and RSA (OCR) Diploma in Text Processing.

"To qualify for this free training opportunity, an employee must be a pre-Level 2 learner. That means the person must have fewer than five GCSEs or GCEs and no full NVQ at Level 2 or higher."

Selected candidates will be able to study for and achieve a full Level 2 (Intermediate) Text Processing Diploma made up of a Text Production Certificate Award plus any three Level 2 (Intermediate) Certificate Awards from the following: Word-processing, Mailmerge, Audio Transcription, Medical Audio Transcription or Speed Keying.

Training in keyboarding, word-processing and/or Audio Transcription and Mailmerge can start as soon as funding is approved.

Some courses are based in training centres only while others may be done in centres or at home or work. All training is "individual", "self-paced" and with flexi-hours.

"This is a great chance to ensure the best possible secretarial presentation in all business correspondence, along with higher keying speeds and greater efficiency.

"It is also a chance for secretarial staff to gain a diploma which marks them out as a professional secretary.

"For some companies, the Train to Gain offer will also include a payment to the employer in respect of absence from work for training', once the diploma qualification is achieved.

"We hope many candidates will move on to the Advanced Level 3 Diploma (PA Level) later."

To be considered for the funding allocations for the next round of diploma starts, candidates must register before the end of this month.

To register a company and nominated employee for the free secretarial diploma opportunity, ring 01962 842266 or e-mail martinladd@pitman-winchester.co.uk.