Administration assistants use email, telephones, traditional mail and websites to distribute company information, and they maintain electronic and paper files, according to Education-Portal.com. They also perform Internet research, maintain schedules of appointments and manage travel arrangements for a company's leaders. In addition, administration assistants draft correspondence, develop presentations and reports, purchase supplies and field telephone calls. Administration assistant training programs teach students how to perform these many critical responsibilities.
Only a high school diploma and basic office skills are required to become an administration assistant. However, individuals who are interested in expanding their job opportunities in this career field can complete one-year certificate or two-year associate degree programs in office administration. Individuals who want to serve as executive administration assistants should have a college degree. Training programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges and business schools.
Temporary placement agencies also offer training opportunities in clerical and computer skills. Virtual assistant training programs teach aspiring administration assistants skills they can perform remotely, such as website design, transcription and bookkeeping. Special training programs additionally are available for people who want to work as administration assistants in the legal or medical fields.
Classes in an administration assistant training program cover topics such as business communications, keyboarding and computer skills. Students specifically learn how to use word processing, spreadsheet and database software, according to Austin Community College in Texas. In addition, they study how to use presentation software, perform data entry and do business math. Students learn how to use common office equipment such as photocopying machines, scanners and fax machines as well.
Administration assistant training prepares students to land jobs in a wide range of industries such as the retail trade, education or health care. Students also can find work for the government or even in the construction and manufacturing industries. In addition, training in this field prepares students to seek certification from organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals, Legal Secretaries International, Inc. or the International Virtual Assistants Association.
Employment of administration assistants is projected to grow by 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for administration assistants remains especially strong in industries such as health care and social assistance. Median annual wages of administration assistants in May 2008 were $29,050, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.