About us

Why Choose a Pitman Training Course?

No-one has helped more people gain valuable IT, office and administration skills than Pitman Training.  We have over 100 training centres in the UK and are one of the largest independent training providers in the world.  Our history goes back to 1837 when our founder, Isaac Pitman invented shorthand.

How does it work?

• Unlike a school or college you can start your course when you want rather than wait for the term start time
• You work at your own pace in our comfortable training centre, helped by experienced tutors as required;
• All our courses offer accreditation by recognised bodies such as OCR, RSA, AMSPAR, BCS, IAB, City & Guilds, Edexcel etc;
• The atmosphere is relaxed and non-competitive;
• You choose your own hours, working when it suits you, including evenings and Saturdays
• On completion of your final exams, you will receive a Pitman Training course certificate that is recognised nationally and internationally
• There are no hidden costs. Each course includes certification fees, tests and all training.
• Funded training courses are also available under Train to Gain and other government initiatives for eligible students.

Who Uses Pitman Training?

Our students are typically people who recognise that the best jobs or careers require professional level skills and qualifications.  They also want to learn in flexible a way that suits them rather than follow a strict college timetable.  Pitman students also require the confidence that comes from having a 'face to face' tutor rather than over the phone or via email as with distance learning.

There are no barriers to learning new skills. Our students include:

• School and university leavers and gap year students wanting to add real job skills to their exam or degree results;
• People looking to create their own career opportunities by achieving Pitman Training Certificates in their chosen subject;
• Returners to work after having a family – either brushing up rusty skills or as a basis for starting a completely new career;
• 'Silver Surfers' looking to make sure that they are up to speed with recent technological advances;
• Non native English speakers find our courses easier to use because they can learn at their own pace and not be worried by asking for help in a typical classroom setting.

Do you have tests?

Each of our courses has a a test.  They are not obligatory, unless you are studying a diploma, but we recommend that students do them to prove to themselves that they have the skills and also to potential employers.  Our pass and completion rate is greater than 90% unlike many distance learning courses which have pass and completion rates below 20%.  This is because our method of learning is more effective for the student and ultimately a better financial investment.

How much does it cost?

Our individual course fees start from less than £200.  Discounts are available depending on status, prior learning or current skill levels.  We also have options to spread payments across your learning with instalments.  Why not arrange one of our free trial lessons?  Enquire for further details.

Will you help me to get a job?

Every year, thousands of our students have one thing in mind when they start our courses - to get their first job or a better one.  Whilst it is up to the student to get their job there are lots of things we do to help:

• For our longer term students we do CV reviews and offer practical advice on job hunting;
• We run regular interview skills workshops and 'role plays' that students can optionally attend;
• We regularly get calls from local companies and other organisations, such as recruitment companies who ask if we have suitably qualified students for positions;
• We post adverts for local jobs on to our notice board in our training centre;
• We can make introductions to a specialised group of recruitment companies where we know our student's skills and capabilities will be recognised;
• Success is contagious!  As a student in our training centre you will regularly hear about other students getting jobs.  This will help to build confidence and give you the ambition you need to succeed.

See examples of the jobs our students get here.

What do I do next?

Go to our home page to find out more about what specific courses and diplomas are available. Once you have found the one that you are interested in, call us on 01483 572855 or send us your contact details.  If you still have questions try reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.