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Our Courses

We offer a huge range of flexible and one day/short courses on topics including:

• Information Technology
• Personal Development
• High Impact Workshops
• Finance/Bookkeeping
• IT Technical
• Secretarial Skills
• Web & Design Courses

We also offer regular IT Surgeries

• Struggling with an IT software problem and need specific help?
• Do you need help to set up a form, template or spreadsheet?
• Want to be more efficient doing regular IT tasks?

Don't struggle alone - come and see one of our IT software experts!

Click on the link on the right to download a form to complete with details of your problem and let us know which date and time would suit you best - book in for a 1 or 2 hour 1-1 session.

Email us - taunton@pitman-training.net

1216918616_IT Surgery electronic form.doc

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Opening Hours

IT/Computer Courses

New to computers?

Try our PC Basics course which covers the basics of Word, Internet and Email

If you want to get started on surfing the net try Internet Skills

IT Qualifications

We are one of the few places in Somerset still offering a full range of IT qualifications. If you need a qualification for work or have started elsewhere and need to finish off, please just ask us for more information!

• ECDL-European Computer Driving Licence-this is one of the most well recognised and comprehensive IT qualifications available. It is made up of 7 modules (Basic Concepts of IT, Using the Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations and Internet and Email).
• ECDL Advanced - Available as individual certificates in: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations
• OCR CLAiT (Level 1), CLAiT Plus (Level 2) and CLAiT Advanced (Level 3) - Individual modules at each level in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations, Desktop Publishing, Internet Email, Computer Art, Website Design. Combine 3 modules 3 for a Certificate or 5 for a Diploma.
• OCR Text Production - Available at Levels 1 to 3. Variety of modules which include Text Processing, Word Processing, Audio, Medical, Legal, Business Presentations. Can be combined to create Certicate or Diploma.

Pitman Flexible Courses

A proven combination of audio, workbook and hands-on ensures you really learn and understand. Combine courses to build into an internationally recognised Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html)

Microsoft Office Courses

• Outlook 2003
• Access 2003
• Excel 2003
• Excel 2003 Expert
• Word and Excel ... Fast!
• PowerPoint 2003
• Word 2003
• Word 2003 Expert
• Mail Merge Using Word 2003
• Office 2007.......Fast!

Further IT Courses also under Web & Design courses / Finance courses and Secretarial Skills

Personal Development

One Day Personal Development Courses 

• Sales and Negotiation - For anyone who wants to improve their sales techniques, increase sales levels and exceed targets
• Personal Effectiveness - Assess your personal effectiveness and create a set of goals and actions to get you where you want to be
• The Art of Assertiveness - learn to say no and improve your working relationships
• Appraisal Skills - For appraisers and appraisees-improve working relationships, review performance and establish goals
• Business Writing Skills - Develop effective business writing skills by using proven techniques.
• Customer Care - Be able to handle different situations and provide exceptional customer care.
• Meeting and Minutes - For anyone who is required to organise and take minutes at meetings. (whole or half day options)
• Presentation Skills - Maximise your personal performance and presentations skills in group, one to one or interview situations
• Professional Receptionist - Anyone in front line reception or who deals with customers or the public (whole or half day options)
• Supervisory Skills - For new supervisors-includes induction, staff training, delegation and motivational skills
• Telephone Techniques - Acquire a confident, friendly telephone voice. Understand what to say and what not to say.
• Time Management - To effectively plan and confidently prioritise your workload -facilitate the best use of time.
• Executive PA - To understand the role of a PA, manage situations and communicate effectively.
• Stress Management and Assertiveness - We offer a range of workshops for both managers dealing with staff stress and for those wishing to manage their workload better-learn how to thrive on pressure!

For further details see Current Seminars and High Impact Workshops. 

High Impact Workshops

High Impact Workshops

High Impact 120 minute workshops are designed to provide a fast paced, interactive and practical look at particular subjects. These workshops are open to a limited number of delegates to ensure that training is effective as well as fun.

All of these 2 hours workshops are delivered by Elaine Batchelor, an experienced Learning and Development Consultant and Trainer and the cost is £25 each.

Please ask us for dates for these courses.

• Managing Challenging People & Situations
  Managing yourself and others - this workshop will provide you with tips and techniques to help. It is designed to give you the confidence to be proactive and successful when challenged by people and circumstances.
• Team Building for Line Managers
  This workshop will provide Line Managers with the knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of building and developing a high performance team.
• The Art of Effective Delegation
  Line Managers who need a better understanding of the art of delegation will benefit from this workshop. It explores the benefits, barriers and process of effective delegation.
• Personal Development: Increasing Self Esteem, Motivation & Confidence
  This workshop has been specifically designed for those wishing to boost their self-confidence and improve their overall effectiveness through a more confident approach to situations.
• Conducting Effective Appraisals
  This workshop is for Line managers who conduct appraisals and wish to review or improve their existing methods using a best practice approach.
• Juggling your Busy Workload
  Anyone wishing to take charge of their busy day and respond proactively and productively to changing priorities will benefit from this workshop.
• Managing Pressure and Stress
  Specifically designed for those who would benefit from understanding the principles in managing pressure & stress. It provides top tips and techniques on how to restore the balance in life and work.

Job Seekers Workshops

‘Job Seekers Guide to Success'
(Find that Job - Get that Job)

Extra benefits:
• Free follow up advice and CV building session
• Entry into "Career Makeover" prize draw
• Discount on Pitman Course

Looking for a new job can be daunting. Even knowing where to start is a mine field; should you apply direct, use agencies or put your CV online? Then there's the application process and dreaded interview!

This combination of two high impact workshops has been specifically designed for anyone who is looking for a new job and could use some help with ‘finding it' and ‘getting it'. You will find top tips and techniques for ‘finding that job', such as; looking at yourself as a marketable asset, identifying your strengths and researching the right areas. In ‘getting that job' we will explore subjects including; producing an effective CV and an introduction to interview techniques.

Find that Job - What will it cover?
• Identifying your transferable knowledge and skills
• Defining what you are looking for
• Researching jobs and spotting opportunities
• The value and impact of speculative enquiries
• Personal Action Planning

Get that Job - What will it cover?
• Do's and Don'ts of writing a CV
• Preparing for interview
• Common interview questions
• Top tips and questions to ask
• Personal Action Planning

Course Dates & Duration:
2 hour Saturday workshops - dates coming soon!

Cost: Each Workshop £25 per person

Pitman Diplomas

Pitman Diplomas

At Pitman Training in Taunton we offer the full range of Pitman Diplomas.  Get the skills employers want and a qualification that is internationally recognised to really improve your career prospects.

Start when you want and work at your own pace!  Flexible payment options available.

Pitman Diplomas:

• Business IT Diploma
• Business IT Diploma with Web Design
• Business IT Diploma with HR
• Business IT Diploma with Marketing and PR
• Introduction to Office Skills Diploma
• Business Text Processing Diploma
• Foundation in Finance Diploma
• Pitman Training Accounting Technician Diploma
• Fast-track Microsoft Skills Diploma
• Microsoft Office Plus Diploma
• Executive Plus Diploma
• Executive PA Diploma
• Legal Secretarial Diploma
• Medical Secretarial Diploma
• Secretarial Diploma
• Receptionist Diploma

For more information please see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html 

Finance/Bookkeeping

Pitman Flexible Courses

A proven combination of audio, workbook and hands-on ensures you really learn and understand. Combine courses to build into an internationally recognised Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html)

Book-keeping and Sage Courses

IT Technical

IT Technical Training

• A+ Certification (2006 Syllabus)
• Network+ Certification
• Security+ Certification
• Linux+ Certification
• CCNA - Introduction to Cisco Network Device Configuration
• MCSE Certification
• MCSA Certification with CompTIA Electives
• MCSA Certification with Microsoft Electives
• MCP Windows XP Professional
• MCP Supporting Windows Server 2003
• MCP Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• MCP SQL Server 2000 Administration

For more details see http://www.tech-train.co.uk/

Secretarial

Pitman Flexible Courses

A proven combination of audio, workbook and hands-on ensures you really learn and understand. Combine courses to build into an internationally recognised Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html)

Computer Keyboard Skills

• Have you ever wanted to type quicker or with more than two fingers!?
• Be able to think about what you are writing, not where the keys are?
• Talk and type at the same time?

Be more efficient! Learn to touch type.

The Pitman Training Computer Keyboard Skills is a proven and successful method to learn this essential skill. It is accessed online so you can do it at home, at work or in our centre. Group discounts available.

Shorthand Skills

• Do you have to take notes at meetings?
• Jot down comments and ideas?

Shorthand is a key skill for anyone from secretaries to journalists.

Pitman Training offer a range of shorthand courses in both Teeline and Pitman for beginners or as refreshers.  Ask for full details.

Keyboarding and Audio Typing

We also offer a range of OCR Text and Word processing qualifications at Levels 1-3. 

Secretarial and Vocational Courses

Vocational Courses

Pitman Flexible Courses

A proven combination of audio, workbook and hands-on ensures you really learn and understand. Combine courses to build into an internationally recognised Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html)

Vocational Courses

Web and Design

Pitman Flexible Courses

A proven combination of audio, workbook and hands-on ensures you really learn and understand. Combine courses to build into an internationally recognised Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html)

Web and Design Courses

Corporate

Training to meet your needs!

Just ask us!

• "Bite size" training to suit your needs - from as little as 2 hours
• Free consultation available - just ask us
• Flexible payment methods available
• Training on site or at our centre

We offer One Day Seminars & Personalised Courses or flexible courses which lead to Pitman certificates or Diplomas

• Microsoft Office Courses-2003 and 2007 available
• ECDL, ECDL Advanced or OCR (CLAiT, CLAiT Plus, Text Production diplomas), ITQ accreditation available-all of our IT courses are available at levels from beginners to advanced.
• Sage and Bookkeeping Courses
• Personal Development and Leadership & Management Courses
• Vocational Courses: Effective Business Communication, Get into HR, Get into Journalism, Get into Marketing, Get into PR, Health and Safety (e-learning), Legal Secretary & Medical Secretary
• Keyboard, Audio Typing, Shorthand and Secretarial
• Web, E-Commerce and Design Courses

Our Open Courses - One Day Seminars:

Typically 6 hours of tutor led learning, workbooks, Pitman Course Completion Certificate, refreshments

Flexible Courses:

Flexible so you can start just as soon as you like and are not limited to term time. You can attend for training at our centre at times to suit you as the majority of the course is delivered by personalised audio and workbooks and our tutors are here to provide help and support every step of the way.

Course lengths vary, but are typically 20 hours in length and include workbooks, support and are Pitman Certificated or we can offer external qualifications for example OCR or ECDL. Pitman courses can be combined to create Pitman Diplomas.

Personalised Courses:

Training can be delivered on site or within our centre. We can provide laptops if required.  We can personalise courses to cover only what your staff need to know and can deliver to mixed ability groups.

Concessions are available for 2 or more delegates booking courses *(excluding personalised courses)

Email us - taunton@pitman-training.net

Current Seminars

Below are listed our range of one day courses.  Click on the links on the left to see what is coming up soon. 

If you are interested in any course that is not listed just let us know!

One Day Seminars in IT and Computers

Microsoft Office Courses (all available in 2003 or 2007)

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft Publisher

Update to Office 2007 courses now available! 

ECDL, ECDL Advanced or OCR (CLAiT or CLAiT Plus) Accreditation available 

Web and Design Courses (Windows)

• Microsoft Publisher 2003/2007
• HTML
• Dreamweaver (versions 4.0 or 8)
• Photoshop
• Microsoft FrontPage 2003
• Digital Photography

Sage Courses

The industry standard accounting & payroll software

• Sage Line 50 from
• Sage Line 50 End of Month/Year (Half Day)
• Sage Payroll v10

All of our IT courses are available at levels from beginners to advanced.  Please ask us for full course details to help decide which level is right for you.

Business Skills & Personal Development

• Sales and Negotiation - For anyone who wants to improve their sales techniques, increase sales levels and exceed targets
• Personal Effectiveness - Assess your personal effectiveness and create a set of goals and actions to get you where you want to be
• The Art of Assertiveness - learn to say no and improve your working relationships
• Appraisal Skills - For appraisers and appraisees-improve working relationships, review performance and establish goals
• Business Writing Skills - Develop effective business writing skills by using proven techniques.
• Customer Care - Be able to handle different situations and provide exceptional customer care.
• Meeting and Minutes - For anyone who is required to organise and take minutes at meetings. (whole or half day options)
• Presentation Skills - Maximise your personal performance and presentations skills in group, one to one or interview situations
• Professional Receptionist - Anyone in front line reception or who deals with customers or the public (whole or half day options)
• Supervisory Skills - For new supervisors-includes induction, staff training, delegation and motivational skills
• Telephone Techniques - Acquire a confident, friendly telephone voice. Understand what to say and what not to say.
• Time Management - To effectively plan and confidently prioritise your workload -facilitate the best use of time.
• Executive PA - To understand the role of a PA, manage situations and communicate effectively.
• Stress Management and Assertiveness - We offer a range of workshops for both managers dealing with staff stress and for those wishing to manage their workload better-learn how to thrive on pressure!

Home Page

Opening Hours

February 2010

• Telephone Skills (Wednesday 3rd February 2010) - For anyone who uses the telephone at work and wishes to improve their telephone communication skills.
• Time Management (Thursday 4th February 2010) - for anyone who wants practical tips to deal with their working day. Includes: different approaches to managing time, how to prioritise effectively, how to establish short and long term goals, how to delegate effectively and identifying the difference between proactive and reactive working.
• Facilitating and Chairing Effective Meetings (Friday 5th February) -For anyone who is required to chair and plan both formal or informal meetings
• Introduction to Management (Friday 19th February 2010) - for any line managers who wish to review or improve their existing management skills and techniques. It will be especially useful for those who have not previously had any formal management training. Includes roles and responsibilities, management styles and assessing performance.
• Executive PA (Wednesday 24th February 2010) - Includes personal management skills, effective communication, preparing and giving presentations and business awareness.
• Conducting Effective Appraisals (Thursday 25th February 2010) - This workshop is for Line managers who conduct appraisals and wish to review or improve their existing methods using a best practice approach.

For more information email us - taunton@pitman-training.net 

or ring us on 01823 337350

Individuals

In the current economic climate there is only one solid investment option - Invest in YOU!  Increase your earning potential and opportunities by gaining new skills and qualifications.

We offer a huge range of courses and qualifications in Information Technology, Computer Skills, Secretarial Skills, Web Design and Vocational Courses.  See "Our Courses" section for full details. 

We are one of the few places in Somerset still offering a full range of IT qualifications.  If you need a qualification for work or have started elsewhere and need to finish off, please just ask us for more information!

Our unique and proven learning materials combine audio, workbook and hands-on to ensure you really learn and understand.  Combine courses to build into an internationally recognised Pitman Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html).

You can start anytime and we are open Monday to Saturday, including one late evening per week (new opening hours including an additional evening and early mornings coming in September 2008!).

What do we offer?

• A full advice and guidance session for all new customers to ensure the course you choose is the right one for your needs and career aspirations
• We take your existing skills and previous experience into account when recommending and costing courses
• Start whenever you want-no need to wait until the start of term
• High quality learning materials provided for you to keep
• Friendly staff here to help
• 1-1 sessions with an expert trainer available if required
• Validation test at the end of each course leads to the well recognised and respected Pitman's Certificate
• Some courses also lead to other qualifications such as OCR certificates or ECDL
• There are no hidden costs. The Diploma package includes certification fees and all training.
• Payment by easy installments options available - just ask us!

Email us - taunton@pitman-training.net

Why Us?

Why choose Pitman Training in Taunton?

What we can offer Corporate Clients

• We don't cancel courses due to low numbers
• Courses delivered at our Taunton centre or on site
• Small groups (usually no more than 6)
• Flexible, regular dates
• Quick to respond to enquiries
• Personalised, hands on courses
• We are pleased to visit companies on site
• We listen and provide training solutions to meet your needs
• 1-1 coaching offered
• We can help plan future training and development by completion of individual action plans following training
• Many courses available as an intensive half day option
• Tailored courses to meet your needs available - just ask us
• Well equipped, modern IT Suite
• High quality reference materials provided for you to keep
• Pitman attendance certificates issued
• Expert trainers

What we can offer Invididual Learners

• We offer a full advice and guidance session for all new customers to ensure the course you choose is the right one for your needs and career aspirations
• We take your existing skills and previous experience into account when recommending and costing courses
• Start whenever you want-no need to wait until the start of term
• Range of opening hours including some evenings and Saturday mornings
• High quality learning materials provided for you to keep
• Combination of audio, workbook and hands-on learning ensures you really learn and understand
• Friendly staff here to help
• 1-1 sessions with an expert trainer available if required
• Validation test at the end of each course leads to the well recognised and respected Pitman's Certificate
• Some courses also lead to other qualifications such as OCR certificates or ECDL
• Build up courses into a Pitman Diploma (see http://www.pitman-training.com/diplomas.html for full details)
• There are no hidden costs. The Diploma package includes certification fees and all training.
• Payment by instalments option available

Home Page

Opening Hours

A Case Study

Learning is all about you...

Learning with Pitman Training is about meeting your individual needs, in a flexible, friendly and thoroughly professional way as student Antonia found out:-

It was Antonia's Mum who suggested she study for some secretarial qualifications at Pitman Training after leaving University. Antonia's Mum left school at 16 and went to Pitman Training to learn shorthand.

"I really wish I'd done a Pitman Training course before I went to university - it would have been very useful and made things so much easier.
Because the Pitman Training approach to learning is completely flexible, Antonia was able to fit her study around work, so she could continue to make a living.

Pitman also helped me with my CV, applying for jobs, meeting recruitment agencies and preparing for job interviews."

After completing her Pitman Training Diploma two years ago Antonia moved to Bath with her boyfriend and used her new secretarial skills to secure temporary work before applying for a permanent position.

"I was using virtually everything I learned on my diploma so it was extremely beneficial, " Antonia explains. "I worked my way up and am now working as a marketing co-ordinator, managing the production of events and literature. If my Mum hadn't suggested I go to Pitman Training I'm sure that I'd still be living at home and doing bar jobs, with no practical skills to my name."

This story has actually gone full circle as Antonia's Mum has decided to go back to Pitman Training to refresh her own skills.

In the Community

Pitman Taunton Supports Local Charities and Organisations    

Here at Pitman Taunton we are very much part of the local community and as such are proud to support some of our local charities and organisations.  St Margaret's Hospice is our "adopted" charity for 2008.  Read more about the excellent work they do on http://www.somerset-hospice.org.uk/.   

We also support 10 Radio, a community based radio station in the Somerset area (http://www.10radio.2md.co.uk/), and the local branch of BIBIC (http://www.bibic.org.uk/).     We are proud sponsors of the local basketball club (http://www.revolution-basketball.co.uk/).

We are passionate about promoting equality and diversity and are happy to be associate members of FEDS, the Forum for Equality and Diversity in Somerset (www.feds.org.uk).     

Email us - taunton@pitman-training.net  

What Customers Say

Comments from some of our flexible learning students: 

You have given me a huge leg up to the first rung of the rest of my future.  Antonia (Executive PA Diploma)

Many thanks for your friendly helpful tuition.  Jim (PC Basics Course)

You have helped to change my life and get a job I enjoy.  Bridget

Thank you for preparing me for my interview.  It was a success!  Tara

Comments from some of our one day course delegates: 

Excel Advanced one day course
Steady pace, informal. Trainer was very patient!

Managing Time and Survival in a Busy Environment one day course
I thought it was well structured and very informative, delivered excellently.
Very friendly, well paced and not too theoretical.

Access 2003 Level 2
Very practical and useful day.

Appraisal Skills One day course
Very good course with an excellent trainer.
Excellent course, very in-depth and informative. Answered all questions raised and pointed us in the direction of further information.
Well structured, non threatening, very informative and concise. Excellent for both new and experienced personnel.
Excellent course about a subject I knew very little. Plenty of theory, "how to" tips and teaching was effective.  Excellent day - Elaine was fantastic and very informative.

Presentation Skills One day course
Another excellent course - very interesting and useful. As ever we were looked after very well by everyone. Thanks very much.

Introduction to Management One day course
Excellent & well delivered user friendly training. Thank you very much.

Supervisory Skills one day course

The course was made very applicable to my area of business and my individual concerns in management - great trainer.

Email us - taunton@pitman-training.net

Find us

1251302684_DirectionsToPitmanTraningTaunton.pdf

How to find us:

Please click on the link on the right to download directions, map and car parking details (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this file).

Our postal address is:

Pitman Training Centre
Lloyds Bank Chambers
3 Hammet Street
TAUNTON
TA1 1RZ

Email us - taunton@pitman-training.net