Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
The job market is getting more and more competitive and employers are increasingly demanding evidence of skills and core qualifications. This section clears away some of the complexity and jargon in current qualifications for which we provide training.
The qualifications covered include:
We also explain what the different qualification levels mean.
Click on the links on the left to learn more.
Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
The OCR Text Processing set of units is a popular qualification for secretarial roles, covering touch-typing, audio typing, word processing and other secretarial skills courses. OCR stands for Oxford, Cambridge and RSA. We are an OCR Text Processing test centre and we have courses that prepare you for the various OCR Text Processing unit exams.
Employers will often still ask for an RSA Level 3 qualification. If you are applying for a job that asks for this, check if they mean:
The OCR Text Processing qualifications changed on 1 October 2008. There are now 9 different OCR Text Processing qualifications, comprising an Award, a Certificate and a Diploma, each at Levels 1, 2 and 3. The difference relates to the units taken, with each unit allocated a number of credits. For example, an OCR Text Processing Level 2 Certificate will be awarded for acheiving 16 or more credits. However, the choice of units is now more restrictive, as some combinations of units do not count towards the Award, Certificate or Diploma.
If you have already been studying OCR Text Processing, depending on the units taken, OCR may transfer the credits across into the new format.
We offer courses that cover the syllabus for all of the main OCR Text Processing units and we are an OCR Text Processing test centre. Call Jill on 0191 241 1122 for more information.
AMSPAR stands for the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists. It provides qualifications for the majority of non-clinician roles within the health sector. AMSPAR has recently become part of City & Guilds.
The most widely recognised qualifications for medical secretaries are the AMSPAR Certificates in Medical Terminology for Non-clinical Professionals. These are available at Level 2 and Level 3. The AMSPAR exams require a high level of knowledge of the correct spelling and meaning of a wide range of medical terms and abbreviations.
Currently the exams at each Level are held twice each year on fixed dates.
We are an AMSPAR test centre and our Medical Secretary - An Introduction course provides a tried and tested way to prepare for the AMSPAR exams.
Medical Secretary - An Introduction
You will often come across courses described as (say) "a Level 2 Certificate in..."
The Level of a course indicates the level of difficulty involved.
Levels go up to Level 8.
Our courses are typically Level 2 or Level 3, focusing on practical, work-based skills. Our training methods allow even absolute beginners to go straight to Level 2, without needing to study for Level 1 first. ECDL is Level 1 and Level 2, but again we offer a single ECDL set of modules designed to get everyone to Level 2.
Our new Management Professional range is Level 5.
Introduced a number of years ago, ECDL is a British Computer Society qualification. ECDL has become the most widely recognised entry level IT qualification and is usually the minimum standard expected for secretarial and administrative jobs. Importantly, its been around a long time and most employers know about it and recognise it on your CV.
Aimed at beginners with PCs and the internet, ECDL is now at version 5, comprising:
ECDL Level 1
Module 1 - IT Security for Users
Module 2 - Using the Computer and Managing Files/IT User Fundamentals
Module 7 - Web Browsing and Communication/Using the Internet and E-mail
ECDL Level 2
Module 3 - Word Processing
Module 4 - Spreadsheets
Module 5 - Databases
Module 6 - Presentations
There is an optional unit (Improving Productivity Using IT) that makes ECDL a fully accredited Level 2 qualification. Studying ECDL can also lead to an ITQ qualification that is part of the new Flexi-qual framework.
Each ECDL Module ends with an on-line, multiple choice exam that can be sat at any time. We are an approved BCS ECDL Test Centre.
We offer ECDL as a home study ECDL DVD-ROM, with remote tutor support and attendance at the centre to sit the exams. The DVD-ROM includes all of the ECDL modules in both Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 format.
If you have already started version 4 or version 4.5, you have until 31 August 2010 to complete all of the modules.
You can start an ECDL course with us at any time. Call Jill on 0191 241 1122 for more information and to enrol.
Touch-typing is all about speed and accuracy and having an up-to-date certificate to prove it.
Many employers still refer to RSA 2 or 3 as the typing requirement, even though "RSA" designated qualifications no longer exist (they are now the "R" in "OCR"). What employers mean is accurate touch-typing at over 50 words per minute. You will also most likely be tested by recruitment agencies and employers when applying for jobs.
You can gain a certificate to demonstrate this in a number of ways:
The BCS e-type qualification is becoming the new standard for touch-typing qualifications. Three levels of qualification can be gained:
We are an e-type test centre. The exams can be sat on demand and require you to type for 5 minutes, with no more than 1 mistake per minute.
Call us now to book a free speed and technique assessment so that we can recommend the right course for you.
Pitman Training courses are not only flexible in terms of when you study. At Pitman Training, there are no set exam dates - you sit your end of course test only when you feel that you are ready. We give you as much revision time and help as you need and make sure that you are fully prepared.
This flexibility is reflected in our students' results. Since opening in Newcastle in August 2007, our students have taken over 500 exams, achieving a 98% pass rate, with 70% achieving Distinction Grade. Well done to everyone!
1219161916_100th exam success.jpg
Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
The Pitman Training Newcastle Student Awards 2009 were held at Tiger Tiger on 30 September, as part of The Best Secretary on Tyneside Awards event.
Once again, it was an opportunity to recognise the hard work and success of our students, who will no doubt be stars of future Best Secretary on Tyneside Awards!
Students receiving Awards on the night were:
Lynn Corr - Bronze Award (3 courses)
Anthea Jackson - Bronze Award (3 courses - working towards an Office Skills Diploma)
Elaine Grieves - Gold Award (7 courses - working towards an Executive PA Diploma)
Tracey Welsh - Platinum Award (9 courses - working towards an Executive PA Diploma)
Chantel Hains - Medical Secretarial Diploma
Claire Mordue - Executive PA Diploma
Joanne Clark - Medical Secretarial Diploma and Executive PA Diploma
Well done to everyone!
Want to be part of the Student Awards 2010? Click on Contact Us to find out how to enrol with Pitman Training.
Joanne started training with us in 2008, enrolling on a couple of courses. Passing these with Distinctions, Joanne then extended her skills by moving on to our Medical Secretarial Diploma, passing all courses with Distinctions, as well as passing AMSPAR Level 2. But even this didn't stop Joanne. She then extended her skills further again taking our Executive PA Diploma, again adding nothing but Distinctions and also added AMSPAR Level 3 to her list of qualifications. And she's still with us, now studying Teeline!
All of this was aimed at Joanne achieving her ambition of a secretarial job in the NHS, which she achieved earlier this year.
Joanne now goes forward to the national Pitman Training Student of the Year Award to be announced in London in March. Good luck, Joanne!
We'll be announcing the Newcastle Student of the Year 2010 next September. You could be the next Joanne. Click on Contact Us to enrol today.
A specialism at Pitman Training Newcastle is our Medical Secretarial range, qualifications in great demand in the North East. We are an AMSPAR test centre and have a range of courses to prepare students for these tough but highly valued qualifications.
June 2008 saw success for Newcastle students in the AMSPAR Level 2 Award in Medical Terminology exam, a tough exam with a 70% pass mark. Four students sat the exam and all four passed, with three gaining Distinction grade. This was followed with another double success in January 2009, as both Newcastle students passed the Level 2 exam, one gaining a Distinction, the other a Merit. The most recent exams in June 2009 had one of the lowest pass rates nationally, but two of our students passed (out of three sitting), one with a Distinction and the other with a Merit.
Many of the students have since gone on to secure jobs as Medical Secretaries with local NHS Trusts.
We are now taking enrolments for students now to work towards the next exams in Autumn/Winter 2009/10.
Call Jill on 0191 241 112 for more information.
It was a night of celebration at the Best Secretary on Tyneside Awards on 6th August 2008. On top of the Best Secretary Award, Pitman Training Newcastle celebrated its first birthday at the awards event and also recognised the success of some of its students with the presentation of the first annual Pitman Training Student Awards.
“It’s been a fantastic year,” explained Jill Stevens, Director of Pitman Training Newcastle, “and what better way to celebrate than by recognising the achievements of our students. We were especially delighted that Claire Lister, Managing Director of Pitman Training Group was able to come up to Newcastle to present the certificates.”
The top award this year went to Rebecca Lucas, who completed her Executive PA Diploma of 15 courses, with a fantastic 11 at Distinction grade. “Rebecca studied for her Diploma alongside her final year at Newcastle University, where she also achieved a 2:1 Honours Degree in Politics,” continued Jill. “Rebecca has now landed a job with a charity in London.”
Other students studying towards the Executive PA Diploma were presented with Awards – Sharon Docherty received a Gold Award for completing eight courses so far and Eleanor Cook was presented with a Silver Award for completing five courses. Claire Veit d’Marcier, working towards her Legal Secretarial Diploma also received a Silver Award. All are well on their way to achieving overall Distinctions.
“We launched the Best Secretary on Tyneside Award to recognise the best that the North East has to offer,” explained Jill. “Not surprisingly, what we found is that the starting point for all of the finalists was the core skills of fast, accurate touch-typing, mastery of Microsoft Office and excellent communication skills. All of these skills are covered in the Pitman Training secretarial and PA Diplomas.”
Combining the Best Secretary on Tyneside Awards with the Pitman Training Newcastle Student Awards meant that Pitman Training’s students could see at first hand what it takes to be the best. “It was a great motivator for everyone,” concluded Jill. “I’ve no doubt that those receiving Pitman Training Newcastle Student Awards will become the stars of the future.”
It's the Award that celebrates the key people who we feel really run Tyneside organisations - the secretaries and personal assistants! Focusing on the very best, both in terms of experience and skills, The Best Secretary on Tyneside Award honours secretaries and PAs who go that extra mile to really make a difference.
This year's competition was even stronger than 2008. We had over 70 nominations, from private, public and charity organisations, large and small.
Winner of The Best Secetary on Tyneside Award 2009 was Anne Howes of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative. Runners up were Kim Forster of Universities of the North East and Linsey Rivington of Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. A new Rising Star award was given to Samantha Jackson of onebestway.
This year’s finalists were (in alphabetical order):
Sarah Doick of Watson Burton LLP
Maxine Errington of Age Concern Sunderland
Kim Forster of Universities for the North East
Lorraine Goldfingle of Genisys Technology Limited
Anne Griffiths of Mercer Street Marketing and Consulting Limited
Anne Howes of NewcastleGateshead Initiative
Samantha Jackson of onebestway
Nina Mulligan of Talent Training UK LLP
Lindsey Rivington of Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Tricia Roe of Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust
The winners were announced at The Best Secretary on Tyneside Award on 30 September at Tiger Tiger. We also raised £500 for Cash for Kids, so thanks to everyone involved for making it a great event.
Go to Best Secretary on Tyneside website
Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
Some photographs from the 2009 Awards night.
There's loads more on the Best Secretary on Tyneside website.
Pitman Training focuses on vocational training - training that helps you get the job you want. In Newcastle, we work closely with recruitment agencies and major employers to monitor the local job market and the needs of employers.
Experienced, well qualified candidates are always in short supply, but specific areas where there are always vacancies are:
• Medical Secretaries
• Legal Secretaries
• Book-keepers
Click on the links to view the skills required by employers for each career.
Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
Newcastle is home to a number of major law firms, between them employing hundreds of highly qualified legal secretaries. The minimum entry requirements for a legal secretary with one of the top law firms are:
• accurate touch-typing - minimum speed of 50 wpm
• proficient at digital audio typing and proof-reading
• proficient in Microsoft Word
• good communication skills, both written and verbal
In addition, an understanding of the basics of the English legal system is a distinct advantage.
Our Legal Secretarial Diploma is designed to meet all of these requirements. For more information on this diploma, click on the link on the right.
The North East has a large Health Service sector, both NHS and private sector, employing hundreds of highly qualified medical secretaries. The minimum entry requirements for a medical secretary are:
• accurate touch-typing - minimum speed of 50 wpm
• proficient at digital audio typing and proof-reading
• proficient in Microsoft Word
• good communication skills, both written and verbal
Whilst these core secretarial skills are important, the key qualification employers are looking for is an understanding of medical terminology. The most recognised qualification sought by employers as evidence of this is the AMSPAR Award in Medical Terminology. Our Medical Secretary - An Introduction course gives you the understanding needed to pass the AMSPAR test and Pitman Training Newcastle is an approved AMSPAR test centre.
To find out the next AMSPAR exam dates and register on the course, call Jill today on 0191 241 1122.
Medical Secretary - An Introduction
There is a real shortage of qualified finance staff in the North East at all levels. Understanding book-keeping opens up a number of career options:
• training as an accountant - typically moving on to AAT
• working in a finance department
• working as a freelance book-keeper
The starting point for a career in book-keeping is an understanding of the double-entry system and manual book-keeping. Once you have got the basic principles, you can then progress to Sage Line 50, the most widely used computerised accounts software package in the UK. A good understanding of Excel is also useful. All of these are covered in our new Essential Book-keeping Award.
Finance courses are a particular specialism in Pitman Training Newcastle, with both of the Centre Managers having qualified as accountants. Dave Stevens has been a Sage user from the first version of the product.
Pitman Training Newcastle is near to Grey’s Monument in the centre of Newcastle.
With your back to The Monument looking down Grey Street, Hood Street is the first street on the left, leading to Pilgrim Street. H&M is on the corner, with Lloyds TSB on the opposite corner.
16-18 is on the right hand side at the Pilgrim Street end.
Look for the pair of glass doors with 16-18 above (next to the entrance to Bar 42).
By Metro
Take the Metro to The Monument stop. This is the crossroads of the Metro network and all trains stop here. Follow the signs to the Theatre Royal exit. At the top of the steps, Hood Street is the first street on your left.
By train
It is a 5 minute walk from Newcastle Central Station to Grey's Monument. Leave the Station through the main exit, cross at the pedestrian crossing and turn right. Turn left at Starbucks and you are in Grainger Street. This leads directly to Grey's Monument.
By bus
It is a 5 minute walk from the main Bus Station to Pitman Training. The easiest way is to go through Marks and Spencer and out into Northumberland Street (pedestrianised). Turn right and walk to end the end of Northumberland Street. Cross over by Northern Goldsmiths and you are in Pilgrim Street. Turn right when you see the window for Northern Rock opposite you and you are in Hood Street. 16-18 is to the right of the Northern Rock window. Other nearby bus stops are near Eldon Gardens, just by Grey's Monument and in New Bridge Street, just around the corner from the top of Pilgrim Street.
By car
There are a number of well-signposted car parks in the centre of Newcastle.
The cheapest is The Manors, just off the 55 Degrees North roundabout, heading towards The Quayside.
The postcode for the car park is NE1 2BD – simply type the postcode into Google maps or multimap for directions.
From the car park, it is a short walk up Pilgrim Street to Hood Street (Northern Rock is on the corner).
There are a few short-stay parking spaces in Hood Street itself. Parking is limited to 1 hour between 8am and 6.30pm. However, if you are training on one of our late nights, it is free to park after 6.30pm.
Welcome to March's issue of Shortcuts!
This month: you can read about how Facebook might be stopping you getting a job, how to get ahead in the Accounting World, how you can make your meetings more efficient, read about how colour can make an impact in Style File and much more!
Also, it's time to get stocked up for Easter! This month we have teamed up with Davenport's Chocolates to bring Shortcuts readers some exclusive offers and a fantastic discount!
Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
Operations Administrator
Based Newcastle, Salary £18,000
Reed Specialist are recruiting an Operations Manager for our client who are an Engineering company based in Newcastle.
You will provide Administrative support for the Chief Operating Officer in the company along with supporting the Operations and Maintenance team in various locations internationally, arranging travel and expenses.
Duties:
You must be proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint to high standard.
Excellent communication and organisational skills are a must.
Telephone Sales Executive
Based Newcastle, Salary £22,500
We are recruiting Telephone Sales Executives for our client who are a Marketing company based in Newcastle.
You will be contacting customers new and existing to introduce and sell their range of products and services. Acting as Account manager providing customers with marketing support and advice.
You will have set targets to achieve on a daily/weekly basis set by your manager.
Our client is a marketing and advertising company. They do not sell standard advertising or data products as such, they like to combine the best of both worlds for customers at a very competitive price. Mainly you will be selling B2B.
They have prestigious accounts with B2B and Public Sector Organisations.
The right candidate must have a flair to sell and close deals over the telephone coupled with excellent customer service skills.
In return they offer a fantastic basic salary and commission.
Hours of work are Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Senior Account Manager
Based Newcastle, Salary £20,000 - £27,000
Reed Marketing and Creative have an exciting opportunity to work for a leading digital creative agency based in Newcastle. Covering designing and development of digital media including e-commerce, e-marketing, website design and database structure.
Due to expansion they are looking to appoint a Senior Account Manager to join their vibrant team.
The right candidate will come from a creative agency background and will manage client accounts both existing and new.
You will manage every aspect of their existing client relationships as well as generating new business, ensuring all projects run smoothly and cost effectively, meeting and exceeding their clients needs. You will be dedicated, hard-working, personable and engaging. The ability to generate new business is a must.
The role will involve meeting with clients on a regular basis therefore you must be able to drive and have your own car.
To apply for these jobs please contact Aaron Palmer on
0191 232 3703 or email aaron.palmer@reedglobal.com
Please quote 'Pitman Training Newcastle' when applying.
Contact: Aaron Palmer Temporaries Consultant aaron.palmer@reedglobal.com 0191 232 3703
A round up of the results and achievements of our students here at Pitman Training Newcastle.
OCR Text Processing (Business Professional) Level 2 Award
Congratulations to Mary L, Hardeep K and Amanda W.
Also to Ruth T for achieving the Text Production module
OCR Text Processing (Business Professional) Level 3 Award
Congratulations to Ruth L, Lucy M, Jill W, Elizabeth A, Lindsey A, Holly G, Sharon B.
Also to Xin H and Gillian D for achieving Level 3 Speed Keying
Well done to all our students for such high levels of achievement. Your exam successes continue to be of a very high standard, with 99% of you passing your Pitman Training exams, and 75% of you achieving a Distinction!
Well done also to Sharon W on gaining a Distinction for her AMSPAR Medical Terminology Level 2.
The next registration OCR and AMSPAR deadlines and exam dates are:
Qualification Exam Registration Deadline Exam Date AMSPAR Level 3 Wednesday 31 Mar Tuesday 11 May
OCR Level 2 and 3 Text Production
OCR Level 2 and 3 Document Presentation
OCR Level 2 and 3 Word Processing
OCR Level 2 and 3 Speed Keying
OCR Level 1 Legal Text Processing
OCR Level 2 Audio
OCR Level 2 Business Presentations
OCR Level 2 Legal Audio
OCR Level 2 Mail Merge
Please contact Eleanor at Pitman Training Newcastle on 0191 241 1122 for more information or to make a booking.
The information that you are providing over the internet could be preventing you from finding employment.
Interviewers are increasingly relying on what they find on websites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
In a recent survey, it was found that more than half of interviewers checked social networking sites to find additional information on candidates and 40% have chosen not to hire a candidate based on their social networking reputation.
The number of companies who are playing 'internet detectives' is indeed growing.
Here at Shortcuts, we have put together some top tips to help you keep your online presence looking professional:
Dave Stevens writes for Shortcuts with some advice on how you can stand out from the crowd with accounting qualifications.
Despite the recession, or maybe because of it, we’re still seeing a lot of demand for book-keepers, accounts staff and payroll staff in the North East. But the number of applicants is also high and the competition for jobs is fierce. We’re hearing reports of over 150 applicants for a single vacancy, so recruiters can afford to be very choosey.
Employers faced with hundreds of CVs need to have a quick way to sift them down to a couple of dozen for more serious consideration, so rejecting everyone without relevant experience and qualifications is often a quick way to do this. You need to make sure that your CV isn’t rejected on the first pass. Qualifications are one way of avoiding your CV ending up on the reject pile.
To apply for accounting and payroll jobs, you need knowledge of the fundamentals of accounts and payroll and show experience of Sage, by far the most widely used software package. Our courses involve hands-on use of Sage in a real office environment, so by completing our courses, you can genuinely say that you have experience of using Sage.
Our Sage accounts course leads to a Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Book-keeping, accredited by the International Association of Book-keepers (IAB). We are an IAB exam centre, so you can also sit the exam here. The same is true for our Sage Payroll course.
We are now the first Pitman Training centre to offer the IAB Level 3 Diploma in Computerised Accounts.
The IAB is a widely recognised professional body and passing one of the Level 2 exams entitles you to join as an Associate Member and use the letters “AIAB” after your name. Achieving the Level 3 Diploma in Computerised Accounts entitles you to become a full member of the IAB and use the letters “MIAB”.
For anyone looking to set up as a self-employed book-keeper, membership of the IAB gives you access to regular updates on finance, tax and legal issues. Most importantly, you will need to be registered under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and the IAB is approved for this.
For more information on the IAB, visit www.iab.org.uk
If you are interested in a financial career, either in a company or self-employed, call Dave on 0191 241 1122 for more information on how we can help you to get started.
52 minutes per day ‘wasted’ in meetings
The average office worker wastes 52 minutes a day in ‘pointless’ meetings where they don’t contribute, aren’t listened to or are just making up the numbers. That’s according to research by coaching firm You Brand, who quizzed their clients, which include FTSE 50 companies, about the etiquette and mechanics of meetings.
You Brand founder Julia Goodman said: “Many people feel isolated and cut out of meetings, with the biggest complaint being shouted down by louder colleagues. Interestingly, more dominant characters say meetings fail because colleagues don’t contribute enough.”
“While the chair of a meeting needs control, everyone is responsible for ensuring discussions run smoothly,” says Goodman. “People must communicate clearly, and say what they mean to make meetings more effective.”
Why do we take minutes?
The minutes of a meeting are extremely important. They form the record of decisions taken and provide proof that the organisation is conducting its business legally and properly.
Our meetings and minutes seminar is designed for individuals who are involved in organising meetings and taking the minutes. It covers everything from planning the agenda to roles and responsibilities in the meeting to writing the minutes and follow-up. Learn how to help your manager to run better meetings and how to take better, more effective minutes.
Meetings and Minutes Seminar
Tuesday 23 March 2010, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Pitman Training Centre Newcastle
Course Fee: £245 plus VAT inc. lunch provided by Stewart & Co. of Jesmond
For further information, or to book a place please contact Eleanor Cook on 0191 241 1122.
Does the colour really matter?
Whether you are designing a new company logo, repainting a room, or deciding what to wear, the colours that you choose can make a serious impact.
This month in Style File, we are taking a look at some of the psychological theories of colours and how they are often perceived by the mind.
Black
The colour of authority and power. Black is a good choice for expensive products, however when used in packaging, it can make an object appear heavier.
In fashion, black is considered to be timeless and sophisticated. It is also very popular as it can make people look slimmer.
White
This colour goes with everything and is said to symbolise purity and reflect light. White is now being more commonly used as the background colour for websites as it makes images stand out.
White is a popular neutral tone in interior design and fashion. It is thought to promote freshness and reliability.
Red
The colour of love. It is a colour that attracts attention. It is also associated with danger, this is why it is used for stop signs and at traffic lights. As it is an extreme colour, red clothing might not help in negotiations or confrontation and can appear aggressive.
Pink
Pink is a calming colour. Sports teams will sometimes paint their opposition's locker room pink so the opponents will lose energy.
Women who wear pink in the workplace will come across as being less powerful.
Blue
One of the most popular colours, studies have shown that peaceful blue often causes the body to produce calming chemicals in the brain and is often used for bedrooms. Workers have been found to be more productive in blue rooms, and weight-lifters can handle heavier weights. It is recommended that blue should be worn to job interviews as it symbolises trust and loyalty.
Green
A symbol of nature and safety, green is thought to be the easiest colour on the eye and promotes relaxation.
Lighter greens are fresh and associated with good health, whereas darker green is masculine and an implication of wealth. However, in fashion it has been known for seamstresses to avoid using green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it may bring bad luck!
Yellow
Yellow is considered an optimistic colour, however people are more likely to lose their temper in yellow rooms. This is because it is an overpowering colour on the eye, so it should only be used sparingly. It enhances concentration, hence why legal pads and some road signs are yellow.
Purple
This is the colour of royalty and is associated with luxury and wealth. As it is a rare colour in nature, it can appear artificial, making it a less popular colour for natural health brands. Pale shades of purple are used in association with sentimentality, femininity and nostalgia.
Easter is fast approaching...
... so this month we have teamed up with artisan chocolatier, Jane Williams of Davenport's Chocolates to bring Shortcuts readers some fantastic special offers.
Prize Draw
Win a Signature Collection or Fudge Mallow large Easter Egg! (RRP: £19.95)
To enter, simply email us your name, phone number and email address or call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122.
Please advise if you would prefer us not to forward your details to Davenport's Chocolates.
Draw closing date: 28/03/2010
Special Discount
Make sure you are stocked up on Easter goodies. We have an exclusive 10% online discount for Shortcuts subscribers on all Davenport's Chocolate products until the end of April.
Go to www.davenportschocolates.co.uk and at the checkout, enter the promotional code below for an automatic 10% discount.
Promotional Code: pitman10
Easter Egg Making Demonstration Evening
Shortcuts readers are invited to attend a demonstration evening where you can catch a glimpse into the world of a professional artisan chocolatier.
Jane Williams of Davenport's Chocolates will give a short tour of her studio, explain the history of chocolate, demonstrate the traditional craft of moulding Easter Eggs and offer guests a few tasters of her creations!
A full range of Easter Eggs will be on sale at the event.
Tickets cost just £7.50 and must be reserved in advance.
Click here to submit an online booking: http://www.davenportschocolates.co.uk/contact.ASP
or phone 07813 954368.
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Date: Thursday 1st April 2010
Location: The Chocolate Studio, 31 Evans Business Centre, Orion Business Park, North Shields NE29 7SN
At Pitman Training, we pride ourselves on the support that we give our students and this is demonstrated by our exam results (currently a 99% pass rate) and the feedback we get from our students.
However, we understand that not everyone finds it convenient to come into the centre on a regular basis. For these students, we have introduced HOME STUDY. This is very different to Distance Learning, as we still aim to provide a high level of support during the course. Ideally, it involves a blend of home study, some one-to-one coaching in the centre, practice exams and revision support, ending with on-demand exams and recognised qualifications.
Our HOME STUDY range currently comprises:
All of the courses come as a complete package, including exam fees.
You can order any of the courses by calling our credit card sales line on 0191 241 1133. Delivery is typically within 10 working days.
Click on the tabs on the left for more information on each course.
Just published - the March edition of Shortcuts
In this month's issue, we look at:
Could Facebook be stopping you getting a job?
How can you get ahead in the Accounting world?
How can you make your meetings more efficient?
Style File - Does colour really matter?
Newcastle Centre News and Achievements
Jobs of the Month from Reed Recruitment
Special offers for chocolate lovers from Davenport's Chocolates.
Go to the Shortcuts section to read on...
Interested in courses? Click on CONTACT US;
call Eleanor on 0191 241 1122 or just call in to see us.
Our Microsoft Office 2007 Self-Start Learning Kits combine everything you need to learn about Office 2007 applications at your own pace - and get internationally recognised Microsoft Qualifications. We have Learning Kits for:
Each Kit contains:
To use your Self-Start Learning kit, simply follow 3 easy steps:
Step 1:
Use the “Step by Step” book from Microsoft Press to learn all about your Office 2007 application.
Book a one-to-one coaching session with a Pitman Training tutor to cover any questions that you may have.
Step 2:
Use the Interactive Learning Software to prepare for your Microsoft Office exam.
You can do these practice exams at home, or in the centre. Many students prefer to come into the centre, so that they get tutor support and do the practice exam under exam conditions.
Step 3:
Prove your skills – get a Microsoft qualification.
Use the Exam Voucher to take your Office 2007 exam at Pitman Training Newcastle at a time to suit you. Passing a single exam gets you a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist qualification. Passing any 4 exams gets you a Master-level qualification.
What software do I need?
To study each course at home, you will need Office 2007 installed on your PC. To find out which version of Microsoft Office you have on your computer follow these steps:
Our Microsoft Office 2003 Self-Start Learning Kits combine everything you need to learn about Office 2007 applications at your own pace - and get internationally recognised Microsoft Qualifications. We have Learning Kits for:
Note: Outlook 2003 Self-Start Learning Kit is no longer available.
Each Kit contains:
To use your Self-Start Learning kit, simply follow 3 easy steps:
Step 1:
Use the “Step by Step” book from Microsoft Press to learn all about your Office 2003 application.
Book a one-to-one coaching session with a Pitman Training tutor to cover any questions that you may have.
Step 2:
Use the Interactive Learning Software to prepare for your Microsoft Office exam.
You can do these practice exams at home, or in the centre. Many students prefer to come into the centre, so that they get tutor support and do the practice exam under exam conditions.
Step 3:
Prove your skills – get a Microsoft qualification.
Use the Exam Voucher to take your Office 2003 exam at Pitman Training Newcastle at a time to suit you. Passing a single exam gets you a Microsoft Office Specialist qualification. You can take Word and Excel at both Core and Expert levels.
What software do I need?
To study each course at home, you will need Office 2003 installed on your PC. To find out which version of Microsoft Office you have on your computer follow these steps: