Souters is a supplier of training to job centres. This means that it is possible for people on job centres allowance to apply for assistance from their Jobcentre advisors.
Advice for Job Seekers
If you are currently on Job Seekers’ Allowance(JSA), you can greatly enhance your employability from Souters’ courses.
Select a course which suits you and then explain to your JCP advisor how this will help you get a job.
Our courses are designed by experienced professionals, who have colluded with employers to create a truly job focused range of courses.
Not all advisors will know how to access this training, so you can mention that the Procserve Supplier Portal will provide access to our courses (some know this as the Zanzibar system).
A lot of Job centres have been accessing courses from Souters, to assist people on JSA improve their chances of attaining employment.
Some Job centres are not aware that Souters is available to quote for training on the Procserve Supplier Transaction Portal ( some know this as the Zanzibar system); as Souters have good links to employers this is a more cost effective route than many other options. Contact Souters if you need to discuss this.
Sharon took our Executive PA Diploma and successfully made a career change to get an Executive Assistant Job. She became the Executive Assistant to the CEO at Aviva PLC.
Prior to your Souters Course, what was your employment situation?
Before coming to Souters I had worked in the fashion industry for a few years, most recently engaged in projects.
What is your current job?
Executive Assistant to the CEO, Aviva PLC
Executive Assistant to the Group Strategy Director, working closely with the CEO and the Chairman’s office at Aviva PLC
Why did you decide to take a Souters’ course?
I had reached the stage where I knew I needed a change, as was working 12 hours plus a day. I did research and went to see a few learning providers. I liked the Souters’ system as it is totally transparent with all prices and course structure clearly visible on the web. There is no heavy selling pressure, you are given time to make up your own mind.
I liked the fact that you could freely interact with live, knowledgeable tutors. The admin system was very easy to work with. Support and assistance were readily available including in developing my CV to adapt to the new career focus.
In what ways do you feel that the course has benefited you?
The course created a bridge for me to cross over to a new career area. I gained more confidence and was able to exhibit this at the interview. I would not have got my current job without it.
Were you able to get a job following your course?
Yes and exactly what I wanted
In particular, how has the course benefited your career?
I have been able to move into this new career at a very high level, without taking small steps.
How to Get an Executive Assistant Job
What do you advise anyone who is considering taking the course?
I recommend taking advantage of everything on offer especially doing all the MS Office subjects.
What are your future aspirations in your career?
More responsibility with my present employer.
Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set?
Yes, I am already considering one or two more courses.
To find out more about our Executive PA Diploma you can visit the accrediting body that we are now accredited. Since 2021, we have been accredited by the IEAA, which enables us to offer professional qualifications to PAs, Executive PAs, Executive Assistants, Office Managers and Administrators. Here you can see details of their Executive Assistant Qualifications.
I am the Deputy Year Leader (Sixth Form) at a successful local secondary school. The role is a secretarial role including the pastoral care of 300 students in year group. I am the first point of contact for student/parent enquiries.
Why did you decide to take the course at Souters?
I have been with the school for 10 years and it’s time for a new direction as I no longer need the school holidays.
What did you find enjoyable about the course?
I enjoyed the course thoroughly. The class size was perfect, everyone was friendly and the initial nerves soon disappeared. Although we were all at different stages in our lives, it was great to be with others with the same goal. During class exercises, it was good to hear the experience of others.
How do you feel that the course has benefited you?
The course has given me confidence to know that I can be a successful PA/Secretary outside of an educational environment. Despite 30 years secretarial experience, I knew that in order to put myself back out there in the job market, I would need to update/refresh my skills and experience. After day one, I realised I was still writing letters in the ‘old fashioned’ way filling in gaps with unnecessary words. I’m now able to write letters confidently using the 4 point plan and modern speak. Receiving Distinction was the icing on the cake.
Following your course, did find that your on the job skills had improved?
I thought that I knew Excel/Word because I work with it daily. However, I learnt far more doing this course than I have at my workplace. I have been able to pass on what I’ve learnt to my immediate colleagues.
In particular, how has the course benefited your long-term career?
This course will benefit my long-term career because it will show future employers that I have the necessary knowledge/skills they are looking for in an employee. It will show that I am pro-active and keen to continue with my continued professional development. I hope having this qualification on my CV will make me stand out from the competition.
What do you advise to anyone who is considering taking the course?
Just sign up! The sooner you can start, the sooner you will be qualified. The course instructor Joan is lovely and delivers the course in a friendly, professional way. She has a lot of experience and you will learn a lot (even if you think you know it already)! The team are very supportive. I had to extend my deadline due to ill-health and was supported by both Darryl, Joan and Aili.
What are your future aspirations in your career?
My future aspirations in my career are to progress from PA to Executive PA. I would love one day to be able to train others.
Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set? Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set?
Yes, most definitely. I really enjoyed the learning – knowledge is a powerful thing. Depending on the company I end up working for, I would certainly look at what other courses Souters run to enhance my skills.
Ligia was able to change career and get a well-paying job after completing her PA / Secretary Diploma with Souters. She went from not being invited to interviews, to getting 2 job offers in a short space of time.
What was your job prior to taking the course?
Assistant Manager in a retail shop
Since taking the course what is your job now?
I am now an Office Administrator at University of London since September 2015
Why did you decide on course?
After 5 years in retail, I wanted to get a career in an office
What Souters Course have you successfully completed?
I gained confidence, a professional attitude and knowledge of the various subjects covered especially IT and organising travel which is needed in present job
Were you able to get a job following the course?
I was able to get a job before I had even finished the course. I was actually still doing the last stages of IT and typing training
What do you advise someone who is considering taking the course?
Get the PA / Secretary Diploma, the interviewers always need too see that you have your Diploma. Souters PA / Secretary Diploma also includes IT Certificates which are always asked for by an interviewer.
What are your future aspirations in your career?
Move within the company as the salary and benefits are excellent
Would you consider taking another course to further your career?
Yes I did, I actually sent out numerous CVs before the course and had no invites for an interview.
Did the course change your career prospects?
After the PA / Secretary Course and whilst still completing typing skills and IT training, I had 2 job offers after taking 2 interviews and interview tests.
Ali Wilde successfully completed our Secretary PA Diploma and Executive PA Course. Here is a brief interview, showing how much she benefited from and enjoyed attending the course.
What is your job title?
Executive PA to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Executive
I liked the fact that we were in a small group. The mix between classroom learning and practical work was really good. The tutors were brilliant, very knowledgeable, clear and helpful. Course content was excellent, which looked at all aspects of the skills/responsibilities required of a PA.
In what ways do you feel that the course has benefited you?
The PA/Secretary course refreshed my PA skills, giving me the preparation that I required for my change in role within my organisation. The Executive PA course inspired me to carry out my new PA role with confidence and enthusiasm.
In particular, how has it benefited your career?
It has given me the knowledge and confidence to carry out my high profile PA role. There have, however, been many challenging moments and I have quite often referred back to the course notes to refresh and remind myself how best to deal with a certain task and that I can do it!
What do you advise to anyone who is considering taking the course?
Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
What are your future aspirations in your career?
I don’t have any huge aspirations for the future, just to enjoy being a PA!
Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set?
Above is a picture of the June Secretary PA Course.
The students varied from those looking for a career change, to experienced PAs looking to develop their careers through to international students.
This course has been tried and tested as a great way to launch you career as a PA. Look at the links below from some excellent stories of success on this course programme.
For more information on this course and how you can sign up for the next one: CLICK HERE
The PA Courses are CPD Accredited and the reputation of the qualification greatly improves your career options. Sign up now to become a PA.
Learning how to write a business letter was very useful for my career and my boss trusts my ability to write business letters.
PA Career Success in London
In what ways has the course benefited you?
I was told by my interviewers that my CV was very attractive as I did a secretarial course and it proved I cared about improving my office skills.
In particular, how has it benefited your career prospects?
After I studied at Souters, it was then straightforward to get a job as a PA. Definitely it’s useful for getting your foot in the door.
What would you advise anyone who is considering taking the course?
If you want to get a office job, taking a course at Souters is a quickest way to start your career as you can study intensively and efficiently. It sets you apart from other candidates who perhaps do not have qualifications that prove their ability.
Do you have further career aspirations?
Within 3 years I have already achieved a goal I set before I studied at Souters, however, I would love to become more involved with the business I am in and learn more about the industry I work in.
In the future would you consider taking another course?
Yes, I would. I would return to Souters if I wanted to study office skills in the future.
To find out more about our Secretary PA Diploma please CLICK HERE
The CPD has accredited our Bookkeeping Course, which has enabled us to offer Bookkeeping Training that is accredited by a globally known CPD Institute.
The CPD is also known as Continuing Professional Development. This form of accredited training is required by many professional bodies for Solicitors, Barristers, Accountants and much more.
This means that not only are CPD Courses well respected and known across the globe, but they are often required for certain industries. This means that the value of a CPD accredited course on your CV is likely to benefit your job prospects.
All of our Courses are CPD Accredited, which includes any bespoke training packages. This reflects the high level of quality in our training courses. The CPD polices courses and ensures that they genuinely develop career skills and help people to progress their careers.
All courses have CPD certificates issued on completion.
CPD Points are awarded to people who complete the courses.
To find out more about one of our CPD Accredited Bookkeeping Course: CLICK HERE
Jennie came onto the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping in order to gain an exposure to Financial terminologies and knowledge of how accounts work. This was to compliment her career in IT where she encountered many Finance related items.
Jennie decided to take Souters’ Fast Track AAT Bookkeeping Course in order to learn the terminologies that she needed for her job and gain a valuable AAT Certificate.
AAT Bookkeeping Courses London
She was actually able to pass two assessment and gain her sought after AAT Certificate in 4 days.
Congratulation to Jennie and good luck in your career:
Here is Jennie’s Case Study Interview:
What attracted you to the course?
My employer requested it.
How did you find administration and booking procedures?
The entire process was smooth and the premises/location were ideal for me.
How did you enjoy the course?
I found it fast moving and enjoyable; no time to get bored.
Were you wary of doing this subject in such a short time?
Yes, especially as I have no background in finance.
I doubted I could learn the subject and do the exams all in one week.
What was your experience?
I found the tutor very clear, to the point and efficient.
I passed both exams on the fourth day so did not need to attend on the Friday.
