Network and computer support technicians are ever more sought after in this country, as businesses have come to depend on their technical advice and capacity to solve problems. Industry's need for more technically qualified people grows, as we turn out to be ever more dependent on computers in the twenty first century.
Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hold up your pace and restrict your intake.
Find a good quality service where you can access help at any time of day or night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) You want direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.
The best trainers utilise several support facilities across multiple time-zones. Online access provides the interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, no matter what time you login, help is just a click away, without any problems or delays.
You can't afford to accept anything less. 24x7 support is the only viable option for computer-based courses. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; often though, we're out at work at the time when most support is available.
Of course: the actual training program or an accreditation is not what you're looking for; a job you're training for is. Many trainers unfortunately place too much importance on the qualification itself.
It's a sad testimony to the sales skills of many companies, but the majority of trainees start out on programs that sound spectacular in the syllabus guide, but which gets us a career that doesn't satisfy. Speak to a selection of college graduates and you'll see where we're coming from.
Make sure you investigate your feelings on earning potential and career progression, and how ambitious you are. It's vital to know what the role will demand of you, what particular exams are needed and how you'll gain real-world experience.
Talk to someone that understands the work you're contemplating, and who can give you a detailed description of what you're going to be doing in that job. Contemplating this well before you start on any learning course will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, most definitely, already replacing the traditional academic paths into the IT industry - but why is this?
Corporate based study (in industry terminology) is most often much more specialised. The IT sector is aware that specialisation is essential to service the demands of an increasingly more technical commercial environment. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the big boys in this field.
Essentially, only that which is required is learned. It's slightly more broad than that, but the principle remains that students need to master the precisely demanded skill-sets (alongside some required background) - without going into too much detail in all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.
It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it's relatively easy for a well trained and motivated person to get work in the IT environment - because companies everywhere are seeking trained staff.
Get your CV updated straight-away though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't procrastinate and leave it for when you're ready to start work.
Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is more than not being known. Many junior jobs are got by students (sometimes when they've only just got going.)
Generally, you'll receive better performance from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you'll get from a course provider's employment division, because they'll know the local area and commercial needs better.
A constant frustration of a number of course providers is how hard men and women are focused on studying to get qualified, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the position they're acquired skills for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.
Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hold up your pace and restrict your intake.
Find a good quality service where you can access help at any time of day or night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) You want direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.
The best trainers utilise several support facilities across multiple time-zones. Online access provides the interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, no matter what time you login, help is just a click away, without any problems or delays.
You can't afford to accept anything less. 24x7 support is the only viable option for computer-based courses. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; often though, we're out at work at the time when most support is available.
Of course: the actual training program or an accreditation is not what you're looking for; a job you're training for is. Many trainers unfortunately place too much importance on the qualification itself.
It's a sad testimony to the sales skills of many companies, but the majority of trainees start out on programs that sound spectacular in the syllabus guide, but which gets us a career that doesn't satisfy. Speak to a selection of college graduates and you'll see where we're coming from.
Make sure you investigate your feelings on earning potential and career progression, and how ambitious you are. It's vital to know what the role will demand of you, what particular exams are needed and how you'll gain real-world experience.
Talk to someone that understands the work you're contemplating, and who can give you a detailed description of what you're going to be doing in that job. Contemplating this well before you start on any learning course will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, most definitely, already replacing the traditional academic paths into the IT industry - but why is this?
Corporate based study (in industry terminology) is most often much more specialised. The IT sector is aware that specialisation is essential to service the demands of an increasingly more technical commercial environment. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the big boys in this field.
Essentially, only that which is required is learned. It's slightly more broad than that, but the principle remains that students need to master the precisely demanded skill-sets (alongside some required background) - without going into too much detail in all sorts of other things - in the way that academic establishments often do.
It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Often, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it's relatively easy for a well trained and motivated person to get work in the IT environment - because companies everywhere are seeking trained staff.
Get your CV updated straight-away though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't procrastinate and leave it for when you're ready to start work.
Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is more than not being known. Many junior jobs are got by students (sometimes when they've only just got going.)
Generally, you'll receive better performance from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than you'll get from a course provider's employment division, because they'll know the local area and commercial needs better.
A constant frustration of a number of course providers is how hard men and women are focused on studying to get qualified, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the position they're acquired skills for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.
About the Author:
Written by Scott Edwards. Try NewCareerOptions.co.uk/dncarop.html or Computer Course.
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