Bring this to your boss to negotiate training

Administrative staff have the potential to be a company’s most powerful resource and are sometimes considered to be more closely aligned with middle management than support. However, training for individuals in these roles is still not considered a priority. Here’s a look at why learning opportunities are important and how executives can invest in their PAs.

Why train admin staff?
In the aftermath of the financial crisis, companies were forced to make cutbacks and those in support roles were given a higher level of responsibility to make up for a loss of employees. Despite the economic recovery, many businesses stuck to the new model of the management assistant but failed to properly train workers to keep up with the demand.

Today, PAs looking for a new challenge are finding it difficult to move on to new companies because they lack the required skills. On-the-job learning only accounts for so much of an assistant’s marketable value and many employers seek candidates with certified development under their belts. This means professional learning is considered to be a bigger perk than a pay rise and rather than shell out their own money, many PAs are jumping ship to companies that offer training as an incentive.

How to invest in admin development
Organise training Arrange for your admin staff to attend regular internal sessions. Focus on all aspects of the role by choosing courses for soft skills such as leadership and communication, as well as hard skills such as technology. Keep in mind that junior employees may someday become high-level EAs with the right training.

Support attendance at external events There is a wide range of training available for PAs, but sometimes it’s necessary for them to have a day out of the office to attend events. Plan for these in your CPD budget and encourage support staff to register. Ask them to do a presentation for their colleagues about what they learned.

Promote networking The best way for PAs to learn about training opportunities is to meet other admin professionals, both at work and at external networking events. This allows them to share valuable information and advice on common issues.

The next PA Life Training Day takes place on Monday, 15 June at the ILEC Conference Centre at the Ibis London Earls Court and features 12 compelling courses, each individually tailored for the PA community. Delegates can choose to come for the full day for £249, or for just a half day at £125. To book a place, or for further information, visit palife.co.uk/trainingday, email trainingcourses@palife.co.uk, or call Jack Risley on 01992 374064.

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