Business Administration trainees learn to perform a range of tasks in an organisation. Some of the tasks performed may include the following; sort and distribute incoming mail within the organisation and dispatch outgoing mail write business letters and reports using word-processing programs answer telephone inquiries from customers, direct phone calls, attend to visitors and assist other staff in the organisation with their inquiries operate a range of offi ce machines such as photocopiers, computers and faxes file papers and documents undertake other duties such as banking, credit control or payroll functions

Administrative assistants may be required to carry out numerous tasks in a small office, or to concentrate on just one or two specific tasks in a larger office.

Administrative assistants usually work indoors, and may work alone or in a team with other administrative assistants, professional and technical staff and trades people. Experienced administrative assistants may undertake more complex tasks and responsibilities.

With experience and sometimes further study, it is possible to advance to higher positions, such as offi ce administrator, record keeper, front line manager or legal administrator.

To become an administrative assistant you complete both on and off the job components under a traineeship arrangement. The off-the-job training is provided through Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s). Entry requirements may vary but employers generally require a minimum of year 10.

Qualifying as an administrative assistant through a traineeship involves:

• 12 months commitment
• Attending paid work with a ‘host employer’ for the duration of the traineeship
• Completing off-the-job training with an RTO