Job Ref #: MDG/2026
Industry: Legal
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 8

Job Description

The Academy was started in the year 2000 with the aim to train previously disadvantaged individuals as secretaries. The academy is accredited by the Services SETA under registration number 12842, for the Further Education and Training Certificate: Business Administration Services qualification (SAQA ID 61595 LP35928) on NQF Level 4.

Although the structure of the course has changed since its inception, the aim is still to provide the best possible training to enable these candidates to be immediately employable at the end of the training in any secretarial position.

Only eight to ten candidates are selected annually after passing a thorough computer, keyboarding and linguistic skills test.

What to expect

The course runs for a period of one year from 1 March to 28 February the next year, with a mid-year exam and a stringent final exam. Practical training takes place in all the practice areas of the firm, i.e. Patents, Trade Marks, Commercial and Conveyancing.

During the first 5-6 months typing/keyboarding skills are developed, with an introduction to the legal environment and working life in general. Only those trainees who have excelled during this phase will be able to continue with Phase II, which is more advanced and prepares the trainees for the work environment, concentrating on typing speed, advanced audio typing, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as other essential secretarial skills, such as proficient note-taking, writing letters and memos, taking initiative and responsibility, and preparing all kinds of relevant correspondence.

Course content

• Computyping (including MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint skills)
• Typing speed (goal is 60 wpm),
• Audio Typing
• Basic Accounting
• Legal Theory
• Written and spoken English for business purposes
• Professional image and grooming
• Telephone etiquette
• Time management
• Financial planning
• Life skills
• Practical training – administrative and secretarial
• Business Administration Services Qualification (learnership):
  • Module 1: Administration processes
  • Module 2: Information and communication
  • Module 3: Work in an office
  • Module 4: Problem solving and admin
  • Module 5: Teamwork

Job Requirements

• Aged between 18 and 26 years
• Matric certificate with Computer Applications Technologies; or
• A post matric qualification with Typing or Keyboarding and MS Office applications, with a minimum of 25 wpm
• N6 Legal Secretary diploma (advantageous)
• Fluency in English – both written and verbal skills are important; a C-symbol (between 60% and 69%) is advantageous
• Willingness to work hard and learn everything you can