Business Administrator

This programme is ideal for:

• School leavers with a passion for business and organisation
• Individuals seeking a career change into administration
• Employees wanting to formalise their experience with a qualification
• Anyone interested in working in HR, marketing, finance or public relations departments ​

With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:

• An Office Administrator in corporate, government or NGO settings
• An Administrative Assistant supporting executive teams
• A Client Services Coordinator managing customer relationships
• A Tender Evaluation Coordinator in procurement departments
• A Marketing and PR Support Officer
• A Project Assistant managing office-based initiatives
• A Human Resources Support Administrator
• A Planning Support Officer or Site Clerk
• A Supervisor of clerical and administrative staff

Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.

• Office Administration Foundations is your launchpad into the world of professional office environments. You’ll master the art of effective teamwork and office management, build confidence in using essential computer applications like Word, Excel and email, and prepare yourself for the workplace with skills in etiquette, CV writing, and interview readiness. Whether you're leading a team or setting up your first workstation, this subject equips you with the practical tools and professional mindset to thrive from day one.
• Professional Communication and Customer Service empowers you to become a confident communicator and a customer service champion. You’ll learn how to write business reports, handle client queries with professionalism, and master digital tools like social media to enhance your workplace presence. Whether you're engaging with customers face-to-face or online, this subject equips you with the skills to build lasting relationships and represent your organisation with impact.
• Workplace Protocol and Image helps you master the art of professional presence—from grooming and etiquette to multicultural communication and workplace ethics. You’ll learn how to represent your organisation with confidence, apply international protocol, and manage real-world office scenarios with grace and professionalism. This subject is your guide to making powerful first impressions and building a career-ready image that opens doors.
• Project and Event Coordination equips you with the skills to plan, manage and execute real-world projects and events with confidence. You’ll learn how to use digital tools to schedule tasks, manage budgets and monitor progress, while also gaining hands-on experience in setting up exhibitions and coordinating conferences. From liaising with suppliers to handling logistics and post-event follow-ups, this subject prepares you to shine in any fast-paced, professional environment.
• Procurement and Resource Management gives you the power to manage budgets, source suppliers, and navigate the tender process with confidence. You’ll learn how to perform essential business calculations, handle procurement documentation, and allocate resources ethically and efficiently. From preparing purchase orders to managing stock and evaluating tenders, this subject equips you with the real-world skills to keep any office running smoothly and professionally.
• Human Resource Support prepares you to become the heartbeat of any office team. You’ll learn how to assist with recruitment, onboarding and wellness programmes, while mastering payroll systems and employee documentation. From planning inductions to supervising admin staff, this subject gives you the confidence to support people and processes that keep the workplace thriving.
• Document and Information Management teaches you how to master the flow of information in a modern office. You’ll learn to classify, track and securely dispose of records, while also setting up digital filing systems that support a paperless environment. From archiving and compliance to e-filing and document security, this subject gives you the skills to manage information with confidence and professionalism in any business setting.
• Workplace Skills Planning empowers you to become a strategic contributor to employee development and organisational growth. You’ll learn how to identify training needs, interpret skills data, and assist in compiling and administering a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) that meets both company goals and regulatory standards. From analysing job profiles to recommending impactful training interventions, this subject gives you the tools to shape a smarter, more skilled workforce.
• Marketing and Public Relations is your gateway to mastering the art of brand storytelling and stakeholder engagement. You’ll learn how to support PR campaigns, coordinate events, and create compelling content for media and digital platforms—all while building advocacy strategies that elevate your organisation’s image. Whether you're assisting with press releases or managing client relations, this subject equips you with the creative and strategic skills to thrive in a fast-paced marketing environment.
• Meetings and Office Support trains you to become the go-to organiser in any professional setting. You’ll learn how to manage meetings from start to finish—booking venues, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and following up on decisions—while also mastering the coordination of office resources and executive support tasks. Whether you're assisting senior management or running the admin behind the scenes, this subject gives you the confidence and skills to keep operations smooth and meetings impactful.

This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).

Successful students will achieve a nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Office Administrator (SAQA ID 102161 at NQF Level 5)

• A minimum of NQF Level 4 with Communication
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply
• All classes and assessments are conducted in English

Knowledge Modules - Theory

• Effective office administration and management
• Business communication and customer services
• Office protocol, deportment and etiquette
• Apply End User Computing
• Social media and digital literacy
• Introductory project management
• Computerised Project Management
• Basic business calculations
• Resource and procurement management
• Tender and procurement processes and procedures
• Document management and record keeping
• Staffing and people support
• Principles of the NQF in relation to Skills development and Workplace Skills Plan administration
• Public relations, marketing and advocacy
• Ready for work standards

Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning

• Communication and effective customer relationships
• Manage, coordinate and assist in the administration and clerical support of resources
• Assist in the administration and preparation of the process of tendering of contracts
• Manage meetings
• Payroll processing and pay administration
• Support the recruitment, selection and induction of staff
• Classify, identify, register, track and dispose of records and information
• Assist in the administration and preparation of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)
• Provide administrative support to Marketing/Public relations division
• Prepare, install and dismantle exhibition elements
• Manage a small project

Workplace Experience Modules - Real World Practice

• Perform administrative and meeting support functions
• Handle customer and client’s queries and liaison in an office
• Marketing/Public relations and administrative support
• Assist in planning and coordinating at least two special events/conferences
• Procure and allocate resources
• Solicit tender offers in terms of a set of procedures
• Manage a paperless office
• Supervision and training of administration staff
• Assist in developing a Workplace Skills Plan according to employee training needs
• Apply ready for work standards to everyday work activities