Advances in technology have redefined the traditional role of the secretary as offices change from a people-centred to a machined centred environment. Offices have now become administrative support centres with teams of people utilising modern technology. The traditional secretary/boss relationship is therefore being eroded, thus eliminating the need for traditional secretarial training and subjects such as shorthand.

Office professionals are now required to be decision-makers and to become more involved in the planning and control functions. Employers require their workforce to be equipped with more computer skills and human resources training.

The main aim of this programme is to provide a level of training consistent with the changing demands of today’s work environment and the high standard of performance required by employers of their administrative support staff at middle and senior management levels. Therefore, much of the emphasis of this programme is on management and organisational practices, computerised applications and the administration of office systems and procedures.

This programme will be offered on a full-time basis over two years. The teaching methods will consist of lectures, lab sessions and the use of student-centred participatory techniques such as case studies, seminar presentations, role play, simulation, group learning, problem-solving and decision-making activities. Seminar presentations will enable students to carry out independent research and build on knowledge gained during lectures. Experiential learning will be provided by a 4-6 week practicum, on which a course work assignment will be based.

The minimum requirements for entry into the College are: 

• Four (4) passes at CSEC General Proficiency Level with Grade 1, 2, or 3 (from June 1998 only) OR
• Four (4) passes at GCE Ordinary Level with Grades A, B or C OR
• Any qualification considered by the College to be equivalent to the abovementioned.

NB: English Language must be included in the four (4) passes.

Persons 25 years or older who do not satisfy the above academic requirements may be admitted to the College as mature students. Such persons may be required to attend an interview to determine their eligibility for admission.