Network and PC support technicians are increasingly sought after in the UK, as institutions have come to depend upon their knowledge and skills. The nation's requirement for better commercially qualified individuals is growing, as society becomes ever more dependent on computers in today's environment.
Have you recently questioned your job security? For the majority of us, this issue only becomes a talking point when something goes wrong. But really, the lesson often learned too late is that our job security simply doesn't exist anymore, for nearly everyone now. Security only exists now via a quickly escalating market, driven by a shortfall of trained staff. These circumstances create the correct conditions for a secure market - a far better situation.
Offering the computing business as an example, the 2006 e-Skills survey showed a skills gap in Great Britain of over 26 percent. To put it another way, this clearly demonstrates that the UK can only find three properly accredited workers for each 4 positions available at the moment. This one idea alone underpins why the UK urgently requires many more new trainees to get into the IT sector. Undoubtedly, it really is such a perfect time to retrain into IT.
Reaching the most suitable job choice can be very hard - so what research do we need to do and what are the questions we should be raising?
Any advisor who doesn't ask many questions - the likelihood is they're just a salesperson. If they're pushing towards a particular product before getting to know your background and current experience level, then you know it's true. With a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then it's likely the point from which you begin your studies will vary from a student that is completely new to the industry. If this is going to be your first effort at an IT exam then you might also want to cut your teeth on some basic PC skills training first.
At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be full 24x7 support through trained professional instructors and mentors. Too many companies only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later (but not weekends usually). Never buy certification programs which can only support students via a call-centre messaging system when it's outside of usual working hours. Trainers will give you every excuse in the book why you don't need this. The simple fact of the matter is - you need support when you need support - not at times when they find it cheaper to provide it.
Keep your eyes open for providers that utilise many support facilities across multiple time-zones. Each one should be integrated to offer a simple interface as well as 24 hours-a-day access, when it suits you, with no hassle. Never ever take second best when you're looking for the right support service. Many trainees that drop-out or fail, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.
Students who consider this area of study are often very practical, and aren't really suited to the classroom environment, and poring through books and manuals. If you're thinking this sounds like you, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, where learning is video-based. Memory is vastly improved with an involvement of all our senses - educational experts have expounded on this for decades now.
Search for a course where you're provided with an array of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, and be able to practice your skills in interactive lab's. You'll definitely want a demonstration of the study materials from the school that you're considering. The materials should incorporate instructor videos, demonstrations, slide-shows and fully interactive skills-lab's.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where offered, as you need to be able to use them whenever it's convenient for you - and not be totally reliant on your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.
We're regularly asked to explain why qualifications from colleges and universities are being replaced by more commercial certifications? As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, industry has moved to the specialised core-skills learning that the vendors themselves supply - for example companies such as CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Patently, a reasonable quantity of background knowledge needs to be taught, but core specialisation in the areas needed gives a commercially educated student a huge edge.
If an employer knows what areas they need covered, then all it takes is an advert for a person with the appropriate exam numbers. Syllabuses are set to exacting standards and do not vary between trainers (in the way that degree courses can).
You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, at the very beginning of your studies. However, prior to embracing this so-called guarantee, be aware of the facts:
We all know that we're ultimately paying for it - obviously it has been inserted into the overall figure from the course provider. It's definitely not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) Those who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt. They're thoughtful of what they've paid and take the necessary steps to be ready for the task.
Go for the best offer you can find at the appropriate time, and save having to find the money early. You'll also be able to choose where to sit the exam - so you can find somewhere local. Big margins are secured by a significant number of organisations who take the exam money up-front. A number of students don't take them for various reasons but no refunds are given. Believe it or not, providers exist who depend on students not taking their exams - as that's where a lot of their profit comes from. The majority of companies will insist that you take mock exams first and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
VUE and Prometric examinations are around 112 pounds in this country. Why spend so much more on charges for 'Exam Guarantees' (often hidden in the cost) - when a quality course, support and consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will really see you through.
Any program that you're going to undertake really needs to work up to a fully recognised major certification at the end - not a useless 'in-house' piece of paper. From the perspective of an employer, only the top companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA (for instance) really carry any commercial clout. Nothing else hits the mark.
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