Skills / Job Search & Entry-Level Careers

Office Administration and Virtual Assistance

By the end, you can manage an inbox and calendar, create and file documents in Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, and complete common admin tasks for a manager or client.

Job-ready skillAbout 35 hours3 stagesFree

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Office administrators and virtual assistants keep a business organised: managing email and calendars, filing, preparing documents, booking meetings and keeping records. Remote virtual assistant work is a growing option for South Africans because of our time zone and English skills.

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsLearn the basic office tools: email, calendar, word processing and cloud file storage.Task: Using a free Google account, create a folder structure for a pretend small business (Invoices, Quotes, Clients, Admin), write a one-page letter in Google Docs, and book three meetings with reminders in Google Calendar.Core skillsPractise inbox management, scheduling, minute-taking and simple record keeping.Task: Create a simple client list and an expenses tracker in Google Sheets, and write the minutes of a short meeting (a family or club meeting is fine) with decisions and action items with names and dates.Applied practiceComplete a realistic set of admin or virtual assistant tasks for a real person or small business.Task: Offer five hours of free admin help to a local small business, church or NGO (for example organising their files, setting up a booking calendar or typing up a price list). Ask for written feedback and add before-and-after screenshots to a simple portfolio.

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What competent looks like

Keeps an inbox organised with folders or labels and replies within agreed times
Manages a calendar with no double bookings and sends invitations
Creates clean, well-formatted documents and spreadsheets
Files documents so anyone can find them quickly
Takes accurate minutes with clear action items

The South African route

Business administration learnerships at NQF levels 3 and 4 are offered through the Services SETA and accredited providers. ICDL is a widely recognised proof of computer skills. For virtual assistant work, a portfolio of real tasks and client references matters more than a certificate.

Free resources

Microsoft Learn training
Microsoft
Google Docs, Sheets and Gmail tutorials
GCFGlobal (LearnFree)

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

Admin assistant
Office administrator
Virtual assistant
Receptionist
Personal assistant (junior)