If we didn't have a constant influx of qualified computer and network support staff, industry in the UK (and indeed in most countries) would be likely...
If we didn't have a constant influx of qualified computer and network support staff,
industry in the UK (and indeed in most countries) would be likely to be brought to its knees. There is an on-going requirement for men and women with technical ability to support both users and the systems they work with. Our requirement for more qualified personnel grows, as society becomes vastly more reliant on computers in these modern times.
Throw out a salesperson who offers any particular course without a decent chat so as to understand your abilities as well as experience level. Always check they have access to a large stable of training programs so they're able to solve your training issues. Sometimes, the level to start at for a person with some experience can be massively dissimilar to someone without. Consider starting with some basic PC skills training first. This can help whip your basic knowledge into shape and make the transition to higher-level learning a little less steep.
Be alert that all qualifications you're working towards are commercially relevant and are up-to-date. Training companies own certificates are usually worthless. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA all have globally renowned skills programs. Major-league companies like these can make sure you stand out at interview.
Being a part of progressive developments in new technology really is electrifying. You become one of a team of people defining the world to come. Technology, computers and communication on the internet is going to noticeably alter our lives over future years; overwhelmingly so.
And keep in mind that typical remuneration in IT in the United Kingdom is significantly more than the national average salary, which means you'll more than likely gain much more in the IT sector, than you would in most typical jobs. It's evident that we have a considerable country-wide need for certified IT specialists. Also, as growth in the industry shows little sign of contracting, it looks like there's going to be for the significant future.
Make sure you don't get caught-up, like so many people do, on the training process. Training is not an end in itself; this is about employment. Begin and continue with the end in mind. You could be training for only a year and end up doing the job for 20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be a program of interest to you only to spend 20 years doing an unrewarding career!
Stay tuned-in to where you want to get to, and create a learning-plan from that - avoid getting them back-to-front. Stay on target - making sure you're training for a job you'll still be enjoying many years from now. We'd recommend you take guidance from an experienced advisor before making your final decision on a training programme, so you can be sure that the content of a learning package provides the skills for the job being sought.
It's not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - this always means you have to pay for the exams at the very beginning of your studies. However, prior to embracing this so-called guarantee, be aware of the facts:
You're paying for it ultimately. It certainly isn't free - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. If you want to pass first time, evidence suggests you must fund each exam as you take it, prioritise it appropriately and give the task sufficient application.
Don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you at the appropriate time, and keep hold of your own money. In addition, it's then your choice where to sit the exam - meaning you can choose a local testing centre. A surprising number of current training companies make a great deal of profit because they're getting paid for exams at the start of the course and cashing in if they're not all taken. Re-takes of any failed exams with training companies with an 'Exam Guarantee' are always heavily controlled. They'll insist that you take mock exams first so you can prove to them you have a good chance of passing.
The cost of exams was approximately 112 pounds twelve months or so ago through VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. So what's the point of paying maybe a thousand pounds extra for 'an Exam Guarantee', when it's obvious that the best guarantee is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.
