Personal assistants offer support to managers and senior professionals by undertaking clerical and administrative duties. They answer phone calls and take messages, book appointments, prepare travel itineraries, and make arrangements for appointments and meetings. They may also help to recruit, train and supervise administrative staff, organise the filing and management of data, and organise business functions on behalf of their manager.
Specialisations
- Executive Secretary
- Office Professional PA
Knowledge Skills and Attributes
- a desire to assist people in their work duties
- a friendly and polite demeanour
- good communication
- writing and listening skills
- planning and organisational skills
- administrative skills
- decision-making and problem-solving skills
Education Training Requirements
The Certificate III and Certificate IV in Business Administration is available from a number of TAFE and number of private registered training organisations. The course offers the skills and knowledge required to undertake a range of administrative tasks in varied work contexts, and usually takes one semester (six months) each to complete.
- D135 – Certificate III – Business Administration
- D134 – Certificate IV – Business Administration
Apprenticeships and Traineeship
As a trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification.
