Company secretary apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursecollege coursean apprenticeshiptraining with a professional body
University
You'll need a foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like business, law, accountancy or public administration. You'll also need relevant business experience in areas like:
- pensions or insurance
- personnel
accounts and credit control
- purchasing
- office management
You could get valuable work experience during your studies by doing a placement year or summer internship.
You'll usually need at least 1 A-Level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could start by doing a higher national diploma in business management or law before applying to join a company as a trainee company secretary.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to become a company secretary by first qualifying as a solicitor through a Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
Other Routes
You can take professional qualifications offered by ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute to become a company secretary.
You'll begin by doing the Chartered Secretaries Qualifying Scheme, which starts at foundation level. You can join at a more advanced level if you already have a relevant qualification, for example, in law.
Company secretary apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- administration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent written communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
To be the secretary of a public limited company (PLC), you'll need to qualify with ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute or already be an accountant, solicitor or barrister.
Company secretary apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- prepare annual company reports
- administer share option schemes and pay dividends
- provide legal advice to directors and board members
- deal with other professionals like lawyers and auditors
- send company information to Companies House or the Stock Exchange
- keep up to date with policy, legal and statutory requirements for the business
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression - Company secretary apprenticeships
With experience, you could become a company's chief executive or managing director.
You could also work freelance as a consultant or a part-time company secretary for several smaller businesses.