Some PAs get into their roles without much training and learn on the job, but others need qualifications to work in sectors such as healthcare or law — and there are lots of training providers to choose from.

“The problem is that many courses are very expensive,” says Uta Sempf, senior development officer at the Council for Administration (CfA) in London. “If a PA really wants to get on a fast-track course, she should have a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification.”

While these are recognised by employers globally, a lot of other courses on offer are not. “There are some very good courses in the UK,” says Sempf, “but some are not recognised by employers because they are run from state colleges or independent training suppliers.”

Sempf argues that it is important to align the training available in the UK with that on offer in the rest of Europe — which is why the CfA is developing two qualifications for PAs under the working title “Assistant Managers”. One is for PAs aspiring to work with small and medium-sized enterprises; the second is aimed at those who want to work for large and global organisations.

The qualification will be launched in 2010. Its advantage? PAs wanting to work abroad can start their course wherever they want in Europe and continue it on the job, as it will be recognised and transferable in the participating countries.

For top PAs who want to improve their skills even further, coaching sessions can make a difference in the working relationship with their executive. Castalia Coaching in London specialises in one-to-one coaching for executive PAs, and offers coaching days for larger groups. The one-to-one programmes start from £2,496, while the coaching day costs £499 plus VAT.

Susie Stubley, Castalia’s MD, say that strong communication and negotiation skills are important for top PAs: “They need very strong skills to be able to influence those around them and to be confident in operating at executive level.”

To improve her performance, Anabel Pinto, PA at Bear Stearns International, attended the one-day coaching course, The Secrets of Top Performing PAs. “I walked away from the course reassured that there are ways I can improve my role,” she says. “I learnt how to take control of situations and since then I’ve been more open with other PAs to see how they function and if there are strategies I could pick up on.”

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