What is shorthand?

Shorthand is an efficient transcribing method that transfers audible content to written symbols. Shorthand skills have long been important in professional occupations. They are crucial in the legal and medical fields, where speed and accuracy are paramount.

At Pitman Training, you can expect to learn shorthand typing from the very best. In fact, Pitman Training’s founder, Sir Isaac Pitman, developed today’s most practised shorthand style nearly two centuries ago.

Explore our Shorthand Courses

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

Shorthand Fast

If you have completed our Teeline Fast course and want to increase your speed, or are looking to hone your speed skills, then this course…

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

Shorthand Faster

This course is designed to take your existing Teeline shorthand skills and enhance them further with the ultimate aim of increasing your words per minute…

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

Shorthand Speed Development

Once you’re familiar with the Teeline shorthand system, you may need to work on your shorthand speed - which is where this course comes in.

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

SpeedWriting

Our SpeedWriting course is a new way to learn the BakerWrite™ SpeedWriting system in just six hours. It will help you accurately record the spoken…

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

Teeline Fast Shorthand

This course will take you from novice to a Pitman Teeline shorthand speed of 40 words per minute. Beginning with the basics we’ll lead you…

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

Teeline Professional

A great shorthand course designed to teach you the Teeline shorthand system. Suitable for beginners the ultimate aim of this course is to take you…

Shorthand & Speedwriting Courses

SpeedWriting Workshop

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…

Why do I need to learn shorthand?

Learning shorthand typing helps develop administration and office skills. It helps you speed up transcription, improves accuracy, and aids listening skills.

Even with technological advancements, shorthand remains a useful skill in many professions. It is also a valuable skill to save you time. Shorthand courses are essential in office-based roles, where recording and note-taking are important.

Is shorthand hard to learn?

When you learn shorthand, in effect, you learn a new language. Yet, once you understand the patterns and techniques of shorthand, word-to-symbol translation can quickly become second nature. And you can gain this skill even faster if you practice your shorthand style regularly.

To request a free demo, please contact the Pitman Training team.

Why Choose Pitman Training for Shorthand Training?

  • Our programmes have a strong reputation amongst employers for their high quality. A Pitman Training shorthand certification is considered the pinnacle of speedwriting excellence.
  • Our shorthand training covers everything from learning the Teeline shorthand system to speedwriting and transcribing passages.
  • Want to further enhance your skills and improve your employability? Combine your shorthand and speedwriting training with a related Pitman Training courseTouch typing courses often pair well with shorthand training.
  • You can find our shorthand training centres across the UK. Courses run all year, but there are also online shorthand and speedwriting courses. These courses suit those who prefer working from home.
  • With Pitman, you can choose to learn shorthand anytime you like. Whether full-time or part-time, you enjoy a flexible schedule that suits your schedule.

Careers in Shorthand

Shorthand is essential for anyone going into journalism, secretarial work, or medical transcription.

Perhaps you already work in an office-based profession, such as a personal assistant or a legal secretary. In this case, learning shorthand will improve day-to-day productivity.

Shorthand Training Available

Learning how to write shorthand is simple with our CPD-accredited Pitman Training courses. And with shorthand courses online or in person, you have more added flexibility.

For those with no experience in shorthand, we recommend our Teeline courses. Gain a strong foundation in Teeline Fast Shorthand and Teeline Professional).

For those with more advanced knowledge of the shorthand system, we have a variety of shorthand courses. Each is curated to improve your shorthand skills at your own pace. Choose from Shorthand Fast, and Shorthand Faster. Or, try your hand at our speed writing course and workshop.

With these courses, you can become an expert in speedy transcription. And a shorthand certificate will give your cv an added boost.

Whichever shorthand or speed writing course you choose, we pledge our support. Our experienced course advisors are available to guide you every step of the way.

Just contact us for a free, friendly career consultation with the training experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tutor-led training seminar a better way for you to learn?

Absolutely, tutor-led seminars, commonly known as instructor-led training sessions, offer an engaging and interactive approach to learning. Led by seasoned professionals, these sessions ensure a deeper understanding of the subject matter, providing immediate feedback and personalized attention. Whether it’s employee training or corporate skill development, these instructor-led sessions encourage direct interaction, fostering an environment conducive to active learning. At Pitman Training, our extensive collection of tutor-led training videos combines the flexibility of online learning with the live guidance of expert instructors.

Are the courses approved?

Yes our courses are accredited by awarding bodies and accepted by all employers.

When do the courses start?

We have monthly intakes for every course, please enquire to find out more.

I work nights, can I study part-time?

Yes, we recommend all our students allocate 8 to 10 hours per week. All our courses take up to 3 months to complete and our diplomas take up to 1 year.

Who will train me?

Some of our certifications are studied online using our interactive platform and some of our diplomas are conducted via online seminars.

Do I study online or at a training centre?

We offer a blended learning approach. Our courses and diplomas can be studied remotely from the comfort of your own home. You also have the option to also study in our centers if you prefer face-to-face learning.

If I fail an exam?

One re-sit is provided for our courses. However, we have a very high pass rates in completing the assessments.

Can I pay back over a period of time?

Yes, we offer various payment plans up to 36 months to help split the cost over a manageable period of time.

What is the cost?

Our costs vary for our courses and diplomas and start from as little as £20 per month over a 36-month payment plan period. Fill in the form to find out more.

Finance Options

Wherever possible our training is tailored to your needs. The cost of our training programmes depend on the course(s) you choose and varies according to duration and breadth. Rest assured we have a number of payment options available to ensure the cost of training is affordable and can be worked alongside your other financial commitments. Common ways people fund their training include: –

Self-Funded:

  • Flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost* available at many of our centres;
  • You could opt to pay upfront.

Company Funded:

Requesting funding from your employers needn’t be a daunting task. Many employers support and encourage their employees with their professional development and consider it a worthwhile investment to fund any training required.

What we can help with:

  • Providing a comprehensive training programme outlining learning outcomes
  • Tailored personnel letters
  • Communication with finance departments to arrange payment options (upfront or payment plan*).

Funding & Grants:

There may be the opportunity to apply for funded grants that can help towards the cost of training. These include the Skills Development Scotland ITAs and the ReAct programme in Wales. All schemes will have different terms and conditions that will need to be met in order to qualify for a grant and these are managed by each individual centre.

We’d recommend you speak to a Course Advisor in your local centre to find out whether they are registered to offer any such schemes and discuss your requirements further.

* Terms and Conditions apply. Speak to a Course Advisor for full information on the options available to you.

Career Path

A great diploma that can help open the doors to a variety of careers thanks to its unique tailor-made set up. You could work towards any number of office administration type careers in roles such as Medical Secretary, Legal Secretary, PA, EA or Office Manager. Alternatively, you could utilise the skills gained to kick-start a rewarding career in an accounting role with positions such as Bookkeeper, Accounts Assistant or Finance Assistant.

Pitman Training Course Enquiry

For further information and pricing please fill in your details below and we will get back to you as soon as we can, or call the team on 0161 907 6724.

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