Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course

Personal assistants (PA's) and executive assistants (EA's) are some of the most important people in any organisation in Australia. This course empowers these workers with the skills and techniques to become even more efficient, productive and professional.

The PD Training Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course provides personal and executive assistants with the techniques to become well-organised, efficient and well-prepared for today’s evolving workplace. Participants in this course will enhance and develop skills like setting and managing meetings, basic project management concepts, setting priorities and communicating effectively with all levels of staff.

This practical, 1-day professional development training course provides techniques you can really use! We look forward to welcoming you to a course in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, or Perth or Australia-wide.

Please click on the Public Class tab below to view our Foundation Skills for Elite Personal and Executive Assistant Skills course schedule by city or click the In-House Training tab to receive a free quote for courses delivered at your preferred location.

Looking for something more advanced? Try the Advanced Skills for Elite PA's and Executive Assistants Course

Your Learning Outcomes

In this course, participants will:
  • Become highly organised using smart, efficient systems
  • Learn to manage time more effectively & strategically
  • Master prioritisation of time
  • Complete all important tasks and help their manager do the same
  • Learn highly effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
  • Become more proactive and empowered in their role
  • Learn to communicate more effectively with their manager
  • Gain an insight into the importance of caring for themselves
  • Learn how to make the most of their 'Team of Two'
Duration: 1.0 day course Live Online Experts



Reviews

Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course Reviews:

"The venue and facilities were great. Candy delivered a great course - very enjoyable."

icourts

 

"Karen was one of the best trainers I have come across."

-IDP Education Ltd

 

"Facilitator David was fantastic, very helpful and delivered the content very well."


-HETI


 

"Fabulous trainer. One of the best workshops I have been too. Reinforced what I knew and built on it. Gave me confidence in what I already knew and I know to seek out other courses to build specific needs."


-UnitingCare Health Pharmacy


 

"Course was great and tailored to us more personally as it was a smaller group. Quite interactive this way. The venue was ok....all in all it was a great course."


-Modus Design Pty Ltd


 

"Overall for a general course that covers many aspects of being an EA I found it to be interesting and motivating."


-Department of Health


 

"The trainer was fabulous and full of energy and had a great way of communication with the audience."


-Department of Health


 

"The course was great to learn about our and our managers working styles/profiles. It rang true in most behavioural traits for myself and I believe my manager(s). When I came into work today management were very interested in how the course went and what I learnt I told them the personality traits that I learnt and how to work with this knowledge to have better outcomes for all. One manager was very interested in my learning of "diary management"."


-Fetch TV Management Pty Ltd


 

"I had a great day and I learnt a couple of techniques to implement back in my role, and valuable time spent networking with other attendees in similar roles. Thank you..."


-Tatts Lotteries


 

"Anne was an engaging trainer and tailored the modules to the needs of the class. It was an informative course and was made more enjoyable by the interactions of a smaller class size."


-Nearmap



"This is the second training session I have been to with Derrick. he is very knowledgeable, easy to listen to and discuss any queries with. I would recommend him to anyone seeking to develop their skills. Thank you."


-Jones Howard Chartered Accountants


 

"The trainer was great, very knowledgeable, great interaction, assisted with all my queries. Content was great at the games were very interactive - highly recommend."


-Perth Airport Pty Ltd


 

"A great learning opportunity. Gained an invaluable insight and experience through this training session."


-St Vincent's Hospital Sydney


 

"Our presenter was excellent. His willingness to share practical experience and have the attendees participate in discussion was fantastic. Thank you David."


-Clonakilla


 

"I am hoping to put in place some of the strategies that we discussed in this course. I still found it interesting and relevant to the job I have. Really enjoyed learning with Karen, and we had a good fun group. Nice small group of 7 made it quite personal. Karen was a great teacher, and I really enjoyed the course and the day!"


-Notre Dame College


 

"Karen is an excellent trainer and has a vivacious personality. I very much enjoyed my time spent with Karen and would highly recommend anyone to attend any course she conducts. Sincerely, Thelma."


-Horsham Rural City Council


 

"Great course. I understand every EA role can be different depending on the Manager."


-ADVAM


 

"Trainer kept a very well timed schedule and finished exactly on time. Course content is very useful."


-Samantha Wilkinson HR Consulting


 

"This course was wonderful and so well directed at PAs. Thought it was brilliant"


-Parkes Christian School


 

"It's a good avenue to interact with other EA's and learn from each other. It helps for renewed knowledge and responsibilities as an EA."

"It was great to be able to discuss actual examples within the group - especially when those examples apply to all/most of us in our actual work. It was great to be able to hear how others handle different situations to learn new strategies and ideas."

"Trainer Anne was excellent. Went thru' modules at a comfortable pace."

 "I thought the presenter was very personable, funny and knowledgeable and worked well will all of the personality types present. I really enjoyed the training as well as networking with other EA staff."


-Department Of Planning And Environment


 

"I found the course extremely useful with many tasks I can implement and work on. Adele was an awesome trainer with so much knowledge and had suggestions to resolve any issues raised."


-Good Samaritain Industries


 

"I loved the LDP Profiles which helped me understand those I work with."


-Suncoast Christian College


 

"The second training course with Adelle and love her energy and knowledge."


-National Native Title Tribunal


 

"I found the course very helpful thank you, and would be very open to doing other courses with you down the track."


-Endeavour Foundation


 

"I found the course extremely useful with many tasks I can implement and work on. Adele was an awesome trainer with so much knowledge and had suggestions to resolve any issues raised."


-Good Samaritan Industries


 

"I loved the LDP Profiles which helped me understand those I work with."


-Suncoast Christian College


 

"I came away from the Foundations for elite EA's and PA's course more empowered and thoughtful of the dynamics of the different levels of engagement within the workplace. I found the course to be well paced and the trainer to be experienced and knowledgeable. I would recommend this course for experienced EA's."


-University of Queensland


 

"The Profile Markers were of the most interest to me. Always good to do a refresher and do some networking."

 

"The skills and attributes of an effective PA/EA, LDP Profile, Email management & Time management."


-Department Of Environment And Heritage Protection


 

"Was nice to do a course that didn't involve just sitting at a computer all day. It was very interactive."


-Patersons Securities Limited


 

"I am so happy I done this course, I will use all of the content learned in my every day working life."


-Hart Accountants


 

"Anne was great. I felt a real connection with her which made the class super enjoyable. I felt comfortable and confident. She made me feel as though I can do really own my role. The information was informative and simple. A fantastic starting point."


-L'Occitane


 

"Overall the course was well presented, it did give me a few tools to use for the future or reinforced what I should be doing or actioning going forward."


-Eni Australia Limited


 

"Excellent Course, highly recommend. You don't have to be an EA or PA to attend gives a great perspective on how to work in the office with different personalities. Thoroughly enjoyed this course and found it very beneficial to my role as Office Administrator."


-DVConnect


 

"Megan was a fantastic facilitator, I very much enjoyed the course. It was nice to attend a course that was set in a professional boardroom with food and drinks supplied."


-Moreton Bay Boys College


 

"Personal Style Profile was very useful. The Skills and Attributes of an effective EA, Profile Markers are helpful and Communication Styles. These all stand out as part of my learning."


-OzChild


 

"I had Siobhan as a trainer and she was an absolute delight. Intelligent, insightful and really made sure I benefited from the day. I wish their were more people like her in this world. Thank you."


-DEDJTR


 

"The trainer Siobhan was excellent she was enthusiast, professional and engaging. For me I didn't get as much out of this course as I thought and found I already was practising most of the skills in the workplace and my position. Maybe this course would be good for a beginner who hasn't managed or ever worked as a EA. The food was really good and fresh for morning tea and lunch."


-Individual Course Participant

 

"I felt the trainer interacted extremely well, and the activities were well executed. The day and the course went really fast and everyone enjoyed the training. "

Redland City Council

 

"This was fantastic for myself, Jo was fantastic and able to direct me and advise were I requested."

Davey Bickford Australia Pty Ltd

 

Lend Lease logo
Jess was fantastic, she made us all feel welcomed and we all learned loads. Couldn't have asked for a better trainer or a group of people to do the course with.

-Lend Lease


Count Financial logo
What an amazing trainer. I very much admire her knowledge, experience and teaching approach. The course exceeded my expectations as it was tailored to each of our individual needs. It was great to have such a small class to share experiences and areas for development. I learnt so much not only from the trainer but also from the other women participating in the course. I would recommend to anyone.

-Count Financial


CFA logo
Great day, picked up on some important things that I was not doing in my workplace and which I am going to be initiating into my position, a great day with interaction, great presenter which certainly makes a difference and keeps you interested.

-Country Fire Authority


Very comprehensive course, the trainer was excellent and very enthusiastic.

-Margan Pastoral Company


Ansaldo STS logo
I thoroughly enjoyed this course and found it greatly beneficial.

-ANSALDO-STS


Velocity Energy logo
It was a very practical and well delivered course which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have taken back some excellent ideas to improve my performance in the workplace. Thanks very much!

-Velocity Energy


Queensland Rail logo
I loved that the course was interactive. Annette was an amazing trainer. I would recommend this course to all Assistants within our organisation. I also would like to further developed my career, which means I will be in contact in a few months to look at other course on offer. Regards, Antoinette

-QR National


Griffith University logo
I enjoyed the course very much. Liked the small group of participants (6).

-Griffith University


Stihl logo
Great Course, learnt some very useful tips.

-Stihl Pty Ltd


AMES logo
Many thanks - the experience has been very positive and we would certainly send personnel to your training courses as needed.

-AMES


Trilby Misso Lawyers logo
Clarissa has mentioned the course was fantastic. She really enjoyed the way the course was delivered and has suggested TML use your services in the future.

-Trilby Misso Lawyers


ato logo
A very smooth process to book the training, and staff were extremely helpful when I enquired about payment. The participant found the course helpful, particularly individual feedback she received from the trainer.

-Australian Tax Office


RACV Royal Pines Resort logo
Found your on-line process to be very user friendly and (assumed) auto generated emails were well timed and useful. Feedback from participant was also very good.

-RACV Royal Pines Resort


More happy clients



Download Course Outline (PDF)

Executive and/or Personal Assistants play a big role in an organisation, as they are the primary point of contact for internal and external clients and business partners. PA's and EA's perform a wide array of jobs every day such as following-up communications and schedules, managing travel and recording important meetings. Enhance your personality and job skills through enrolling in the Foundation Skills for Elite PA's training course from PD Training.

In this professional development training course, you will learn the skills to help you use your resources efficiently, manage your time wisely, communicate effectively and collaborate with others skillfully.  The practical skills and techniques you will learn in this course will also help you support your manager, and present 'your team of two’ as a professional, confidence-inspiring team. 

Looking for something more advanced? Try the Advanced Skills for Elite PA's and Executive Assistants Course

 

Course Outline for Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course

See the Live Online tab for the course outline for the live online course

Topic 1
The Effective PA
  • Welcome
  • The Skills and Attributes of an Effective PA/EA
  • Role Defined
  • Reflection
Topic 2
Your Winning Style and How Best to Communicate with Your Manager
  • Step 1: REACH Review – Communication Evolution Tool
    • Understanding the Counsellor
    • Understanding the Coach
    • Understanding the Driver
    • Understanding the Advisor
  • Step 2: Adapt your Approach to be effective
    • Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with the Counsellor
    • Planning my future Communication strategies with “Counsellor’s”
    • Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with the Coach
    • Planning my future Communication strategies with “Coach’s”
    • Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with the Driver
    • Planning my future Communication strategies with “Driver’s”
    • Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with the Advisor
    • Planning my future Communication strategies with “Advisor’s”
  • Reflection
Topic 3
Set up for Success
  • Your Web of Influence
  • Key Personnel in Depth Template
  • Management (PIT) Personal Information Template
  • Reflection
Topic 4
Working in Sync
  • Email Management
  • Email Etiquette
  • Create the email however direct replies to someone else
  • Manage your inbox
  • Follow the READ principle and stay on top of your email
  • Manage your inbox with Flags and Rules
  • Reflection
Topic 5
Time Management
  • Block Out Times for Your Manager
  • Organised Review and Preparation Times
  • Reflection
Topic 6
Prioritisation to Keep You on Track
  • That’s a WRAP – Getting It all Done on Time
  • WRAP Technique
  • Ranking Priorities
  • Anticipating Time for Tasks – Using PERT
  • Beyond Goal Setting
  • The SMARTR Framework
  • Writing SMARTR Goals – Template
  • SMARTR Goal Template
  • Additional Tips
  • Goals Deconstructed
  • Reconstruct your SMART goal
  • Reflection
Topic 7
Meetings to Run Without a Hitch!
  • Meeting Checklist
  • Meeting Checklist Template
  • Agenda Creation
  • Meeting Agenda Template
  • Keep the meeting on time - planned time interrupters
  • Minute Taking that you can understand
  • Composing your Minutes
  • What can you do to help yourself?
  • Reflection
  • Topic 8
    Reflections
    • Create an Action Plan
    • Accountability = Action

    In-House Training - We’ll focus on what matters most to you and tailor to your context


    Face-to-Face, Live Online, or Hybrid Class Tailored to Your Needs

    When you want a tailored learning experience targeting exactly what you want without bringing everyone physically together, the best choice is a Live Online Class run by PDT.

    We tailor the content and activities to be specific to your current needs and the needs of the people and run the course in our usual activity-based workshop style training, however, the participants can all be offsite, or some can be in the room with others offsite.

    Unless you have a preferred tools we use 'Zoom for Education' that includes enhanced collaboration features such as One-click content sharing, real-time co-annotation (people can work together in activity files), and digital whiteboarding, we also include things like live polls and group chats so you virtually have the same collaborative learning experience of attending a course in a room with other people.

    live online & hybrid

    We have delivered these 100's (if not 1000's) of times, and get great outcomes. We achieve great outcomes because we keep our learner centric approach - just because it’s delivered through a screen to some or all participants doesn’t mean it needs to be less tailored or less personalised.

    You still have an expert trainer who talks to you prior to the session and tailors the delivery to use your terminology, ensure activities are relevant and directly applicable and ensures an engaging learning experience that provide people with skills and techniques they can apply the very next day.

    A hybrid class is with some people connecting online, and some people physically together in the same room.

    Live Online Participant Feedback:

    90% Overall Trainer Rating

    88% Delivery was Adapted to me Personally

    75% I Would Recommend this Course to Someone Else

    Face to Face Options With Everyone in the same room

    1-hour Motivator
    one hour motivator
    3-hour Power Sessions
    3 hour power session
    Full-day training
    full day training
    Conferences
    Conferences
    At your workplace At your workplace
    In our Training Rooms In our Training Rooms
     In our Online Training  Room - the HIVE In our Online Training Room

    We’ll make things easier so you can focus on adding more value

    PDT Training Management Centre Logo

    We provide the Training Management Centre which is an information hub before, during and after training.
    (Let us know if there’s parts you don’t want to use)

    Invites people to training

    (So you don’t have to)

    Invite People icon

    Generates Sign in Sheet

    (So you don’t have to)

    Generate Sign In Sheet Icon

    Generates Branded Flyer

    If you want to ‘promote’ internally

    Generate Branded Flyer Example

    PDF’s of Certificates

    (can be co-branded with your logo)

    Completion Certificate Included

    Collects and Reports feedback

    (So you don’t have to)

    Feedback Report Example

    Complete Results Dashboard

    (including trainer insights)

    Results Dashboard Example

    What are people going to do differently?

    At the completion of training participants are encouraged to create an action plan, and invite an accountability buddy via their Orgmenta App.

    In your Training Management Centre you have transparency to the action plans so you can see what people are going to do differently.

    My Action Plan
    Participants encouraged to create

    Want to get clear on impacts and measure success? Our system and expert consultants support you.


    Our systems and people make it easy to identify how you’ll be able to measure impacts,
    and then report on the success in the weeks or months after training.

    Measure metrics your way

    Do you already have a training management system and wish they were automatically up to date?

    Training APIs

    It’s surprisingly easy to make it so that your system can automatically be up to date with all the training record details you need.

    More than just a training provider - we are your Learning and Development Partner, we look forward to working with you, talk to one of our friendly expert consultants today.

    Upcoming Live Online Classes

    Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course - 3hours
    Live Online
    3-hour course
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Australia/Brisbane
    $495.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Last chance!
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast

    Download Live Online Course Outline (PDF)

    Course Outline for Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course - 3hours

    Topic 1
    Set up for Success
    • Your Web of Influence
    • Key Personnel in Depth Template
    • Management (PIT) Personal Information Template
    • Reflection
    Topic 2
    Working in Sync
    • Email Management
    • Email Etiquette
    • Create the email however direct replies to someone else
    • Manage your inbox
    • Follow the READ principle and stay on top of your email
    • Manage your inbox with Flags and Rules
    • Reflection
    Topic 3
    Time Management
    • Block Out Times for Your Manager
    • Organised Review and Preparation Times
    • Reflection
    Topic 4
    Prioritisation to Keep You on Track
    • That’s a WRAP – Getting It all Done on Time
    • WRAP Technique
    • Ranking Priorities
    • Anticipating Time for Tasks – Using PERT
    • Beyond Goal Setting
    • The SMARTR Framework
    • Writing SMARTR Goals – Template
    • SMARTR Goal Template
    • Additional Tips
    • Goals Deconstructed
    • Reconstruct your SMART goal
    • Reflection

    Details:

    • Small classes, average 5 people, max 16
    • Certificate of Completion (always available in the App)
    • Comprehensive courseware available in the App
    • Live online interactive session with an expert trainer

    Questions:

    Live Online Money Icon

    $100 Discount!

    Every live online class booking entitles
    you to a $100 discount on an
    in-person public class.
    (Discount valid for 18 months)

    Instructor Led

    Looking for a full-day course in a physical room? Check the calendars in Australia and New Zealand

    When you book a Public Class with PD Training you can expect:

    PDT Activities and discussion

    To Be Engaged All Day

    Activities and discussion for engaged learning all day.

    Real world trainer

    An outstanding trainer

    On average PDT trainers have 15 years industry experience and 7 years training experience.

    Tailored training

    Focussed on you

    We always tailor activities and scenarios to be relevant to you.

    Transfer policy

    100% Transfer Policy

    If an unforseen event prevents public class attendance, no problem. Transfer to new person, course, date or city.

    Refresher course

    Refresher Course $0

    In-House and Public Class participants are welcome to join a public class in the same topic for 12 months.

    Confidence of booking

    Acclaimed Provider

    The confidence of booking with an acclaimed multi national training company.

    eLearning and video

    Multi-modal Reinforcement

    Support, reinforcement & extension eLearning and videos in the App.

    Public Class Dates for Foundation Skills for Elite Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants Training Course

    Details:

    • Time: 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
    • Small classes, average 5 people, max 16
    • Lunch and refreshments included
    • Certificate of Completion (always available in the App)
    • Comprehensive courseware as books (& available in the App)
    • Pay on Invoice or by Credit Card

    Questions:

    Brisbane
    1.0 day course
    Karstens Conference Centre, Level 24, 215 Adelaide St, Brisbane QLD 4000
    $770.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Last chance!
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    Sydney
    1.0 day course
    Karstens Conference Centre Canada House, Level 1, 111 Harrington Street Sydney NSW 2000
    $770.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Last chance!
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    Melbourne
    1.0 day course
    Karstens Conference Centre, 123 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000
    $770.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Last chance!
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    Perth
    1.0 day course
    Karstens Conference Centre, Level 1, 111 St. Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000
    $770.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    Canberra
    1.0 day course
    Canberra Flex, 4 National Circuit Canberra ACT 2600
    $770.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    Hindmarsh, Adelaide
    1.0 day course
    Education Development Centre, 4 Milner Street Hindmarsh, Adelaide SA 5007
    $770.00
    April 24
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    July 2
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    August 21
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast
    September 30
    Enroll Now
    Filling fast

    When you book a Public Class with PD Training you can expect:

    PDT Activities and discussion

    To Be Engaged All Day

    Activities and discussion for engaged learning all day.

    Real world trainer

    An outstanding trainer

    On average PDT trainers have 15 years industry experience and 7 years training experience.

    Tailored training

    Focussed on you

    We always tailor activities and scenarios to be relevant to you.

    Transfer policy

    100% Transfer Policy

    If an unforseen event prevents public class attendance, no problem. Transfer to new person, course, date or city.

    Refresher course

    Refresher Course $0

    In-House and Public Class participants are welcome to join a public class in the same topic for 12 months.

    Confidence of booking

    Acclaimed Provider

    The confidence of booking with an acclaimed multi national training company.

    eLearning and video

    Multi-modal Reinforcement

    Support, reinforcement & extension eLearning and videos in the App.

    Outstanding learning that people can do in the flow of work

    • Fresh targeted video-based microlearning content with interactive lessons and quizzes included.
    • Rigourous review process
    • Only $11.00 per course per person per year.
    • Or get the $110.00 bundle and save.
    Bite Size learning that people love

    Learn how to elevate yourself as an EA with key skills from email and time management to how to set yourself up for success.

    Buy Foundation Skills for PA's and EA's
    Not exactly what you needed? Try other courses in the Administration Courses Category