Printer Friendly Version

Administrative Assistant (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as an administrative assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification in business, administration or a related field. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become an administrative assistant through a traineeship in Business or Business Administration. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Business Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Business Administration *
  2. Business Communication Level 2 (Training Program)
  3. Business Communication Level 3 (Training Program)
  4. Business Computing Level 3 (Training Program)
  5. Designing and Managing Documents and Files in an Office Environment *
  6. Develop, Implement and Promote Effective Workplace Communication (CHC Unit)
  7. Developing Keyboarding Skills (Training Program)
  8. Introduction to Computers (Training Program)
  9. Introduction to Microsoft Office *
  10. Leadership in the Public Sector (Training Program)
  11. Medical Administration *
  12. Process and Maintain Workplace Information (BSB Unit)
  13. Processing and Maintaining Financial Records in an Office Environment *
  14. Public Sector Financial Management (Training Program)
  15. Public Sector Senior Management (Training Program)
  16. Public Sector Strategic Procurement (Training Program)
  17. Small Business Preparatory Skill Set
  18. Tourism - Computer Systems
  19. Use Business Technology (BSB Unit) *
  20. Using Advanced Software Functions in an Office Environment *
  21. Certificate I in Business *
  22. Certificate II in Automotive Administration
  23. Certificate II in Business *
  24. Certificate II in Health Support Services *
  25. Certificate II in Live Production, Theatre and Events *
  26. Certificate III in Arts Administration *
  27. Certificate III in Automotive Administration *
  28. Certificate III in Business *
  29. Certificate III in Business Administration *
  30. Certificate III in Business Administration - Education *
  31. Certificate III in Business Administration - Medical *
  32. Certificate III in Government - School Support Services *
  33. Certificate III in Health Administration
  34. Certificate III in Recordkeeping *
  35. Certificate III in School Support Services *
  36. Certificate III in Social Housing *
  37. Certificate III in Sport and Recreation - General Administration
  38. Certificate III in Theatre and Screen Performance *
  39. Certificate IV in Business *
  40. Certificate IV in Business Administration *
  41. Certificate IV in Government - Revenue Administration
  42. Certificate IV in Government - School Support Services *
  43. Certificate IV in Health Administration *
  44. Certificate IV in Museum Practice *
  45. Diploma of Business *
  46. Diploma of Business Administration *

Employment Opportunities:

Administrative assistants are employed in most industry sectors, in a variety of fields including government administration, business services, education, health, legal and accounting services and real estate.

the continual introduction of new technology requires administrative assistants to be flexible, multi-skilled and capable of responding to change.

For Further Information:

Australian Industry Group

Australian Institute of Office Professionals (NSW Division)

1300 734 755

Innovation and Business Skills Australia

Information for other states and territories: