These days, many workplaces couldn't function properly if it weren't for support workers fixing networks and computers, while advising users on a day to day basis. Because of the multifaceted levels of technology, growing numbers of trained staff are required to specialise in the various different areas we rely on.
A lot of training providers will only provide basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly.
Locate training schools with help available at any time you choose (even if it's early hours on Sunday morning!) Make sure it's always 24x7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back - probably during office hours.
We recommend looking for training schools that incorporate three or four individual support centres active in different time-zones. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to offer a simple interface and round-the-clock access, when it's convenient for you, with no hassle.
Never make do with a lower level of service. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only kind that ever makes the grade with technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're working when traditional support if offered.
It's important to understand: the training program or a certification is not what you're looking for; the particular job you're training for is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in the piece of paper.
Avoid becoming part of the group who choose a training program that sounds really 'interesting' and 'fun' - and end up with a certification for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.
Be honest with yourself about how much you want to earn and how ambitious you are. Often, this changes what exams will be expected and what you can expect to give industry in return.
We'd recommend you seek advice from a professional advisor before making your final decision on some particular study program, so there's little doubt that the specific package will give the skill-set required for your career choice.
Locating job security these days is very unusual. Businesses can drop us from the workforce at a moment's notice - whenever it suits.
In times of increasing skills shortages coupled with high demand areas however, we often discover a newer brand of market-security; as fuelled by the constant growth conditions, companies just can't get the staff required.
The 2006 national e-Skills analysis showed that more than 26 percent of all IT positions available haven't been filled because of a lack of trained staff. To put it another way, this highlights that the United Kingdom is only able to source 3 certified professionals for each four job positions existing currently.
This disquieting fact shows the requirement for more appropriately accredited computing professionals in the United Kingdom.
It's unlikely if a better time or market state of affairs will exist for obtaining certification in this rapidly growing and blossoming industry.
We're regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has moved to the specialised core-skills learning only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay.
Vendor training works by honing in on the skills that are really needed (along with a relevant amount of background knowledge,) as opposed to covering masses of the background non-specific minutiae that academic courses can get bogged down in - to pad out the syllabus.
When an employer understands what areas they need covered, then all they have to do is advertise for someone with a specific qualification. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and don't change between schools (in the way that degree courses can).
A lot of training providers will only provide basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly.
Locate training schools with help available at any time you choose (even if it's early hours on Sunday morning!) Make sure it's always 24x7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back - probably during office hours.
We recommend looking for training schools that incorporate three or four individual support centres active in different time-zones. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to offer a simple interface and round-the-clock access, when it's convenient for you, with no hassle.
Never make do with a lower level of service. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only kind that ever makes the grade with technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; but for most of us, we're working when traditional support if offered.
It's important to understand: the training program or a certification is not what you're looking for; the particular job you're training for is. Far too many training organisations put too much weight in the piece of paper.
Avoid becoming part of the group who choose a training program that sounds really 'interesting' and 'fun' - and end up with a certification for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.
Be honest with yourself about how much you want to earn and how ambitious you are. Often, this changes what exams will be expected and what you can expect to give industry in return.
We'd recommend you seek advice from a professional advisor before making your final decision on some particular study program, so there's little doubt that the specific package will give the skill-set required for your career choice.
Locating job security these days is very unusual. Businesses can drop us from the workforce at a moment's notice - whenever it suits.
In times of increasing skills shortages coupled with high demand areas however, we often discover a newer brand of market-security; as fuelled by the constant growth conditions, companies just can't get the staff required.
The 2006 national e-Skills analysis showed that more than 26 percent of all IT positions available haven't been filled because of a lack of trained staff. To put it another way, this highlights that the United Kingdom is only able to source 3 certified professionals for each four job positions existing currently.
This disquieting fact shows the requirement for more appropriately accredited computing professionals in the United Kingdom.
It's unlikely if a better time or market state of affairs will exist for obtaining certification in this rapidly growing and blossoming industry.
We're regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are less in demand than the more commercial qualifications?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has moved to the specialised core-skills learning only available through the vendors themselves - in other words companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay.
Vendor training works by honing in on the skills that are really needed (along with a relevant amount of background knowledge,) as opposed to covering masses of the background non-specific minutiae that academic courses can get bogged down in - to pad out the syllabus.
When an employer understands what areas they need covered, then all they have to do is advertise for someone with a specific qualification. The syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and don't change between schools (in the way that degree courses can).
