Were it not for a regular deluge of well educated network and computer support workers, industry in the United Kingdom (and around the world) could we...
Were it not for a regular deluge of well educated network and computer support workers,
industry in the United Kingdom (and around the world) could well be drawn to a standstill. There is a huge requirement for technically able people to support systems and users alike. Our requirement for such qualified and commercially astute members of the workforce is consistently on the grow, as industry becomes significantly more computer dependent.
People attracted to this sort of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and don't always take well to classrooms, and poring through books and manuals. If you're thinking this sounds like you, go for more modern interactive training, where everything is presented via full motion video. Long-term memory is enhanced when all our senses are brought into the mix - learning experts have been saying this for as long as we can remember.
Fully interactive motion videos featuring instructor demo's and practice lab's beat books hands-down. And they're a lot more fun to do. It's imperative to see courseware examples from your chosen company. Be sure that they contain instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's.
Purely on-line training should be avoided. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where possible, so that you have access at all times - it's not wise to be held hostage to your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.
Proper support should never be taken lightly - find a program offering 24x7 direct access to instructors, as not obtaining this level of support will severely hamper your progress. You'll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and phone support is usually just a call-centre who will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, at a suitable time to them. This isn't a lot of good if you're lost and confused and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
Be on the lookout for study programmes that have multiple support offices active in different time-zones. These should be integrated to give a single entry point as well as 24 hours-a-day access, when you want it, with no fuss. Never settle for less than this. Online 24x7 support is the only kind to make the grade for technical training. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; but for the majority of us however, we're working while the support is live.
The sometimes daunting task of securing your first job can be eased because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance facility. However sometimes there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, as it is actually not that hard for well qualified and focused men and women to get a job in the IT environment - as there is such a shortage of trained staff.
However, what is relevant is to have CV and Interview advice and support though; and we'd encourage any student to get their CV updated as soon as they start a course - don't wait till you've finished your exams. Quite often, you'll secure your first role whilst still on the course (even in the early stages). If your CV doesn't say what you're learning (and it's not being looked at by employers) then you're not even going to be known about! Actually, a specialist independent regional recruitment consultancy (who will get paid by the employer when they've placed you) is going to give you a better service than a division of a training company. It also stands to reason that they'll know local industry and the area better.
A common aggravation for some training course providers is how hard trainees are prepared to study to pass exams, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the job they have acquired skills for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.
Students often end up having issues because of one aspect of their training which doesn't even occur to them: How the training is broken down and sent out to you. A release of your materials piece by piece, according to your own speed is the normal way of receiving your courseware. While sounding logical, you should consider these factors: What could you expect if you didn't actually complete each section within the time limits imposed? And maybe you'll find their order of completion won't fit you as well as an alternative path could be.
An ideal situation would be to have all your study materials sent to your address right at the beginning; the complete package! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect the reaching of your goals.
