When choosing any computer course or training it's crucial that the certification it leads to falls in line with industries needs. Additionally, you should make sure that the subject will suit you, and is pitched at the right level. Should you be thinking of advancing your technological abilities, perhaps with some Microsoft Office skills, or possibly becoming professionally qualified, you have a choice of how to study.
By minimising their overheads, computer training providers can now offer contemporary courses that feature outstanding training and support for a fraction of the prices expected from the old-school colleges.
Ensure all your qualifications are current and also valid commercially - you're wasting your time with courses which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). All the major commercial players such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco all have internationally recognised proficiency courses. These big-hitters will make your CV stand-out.
The sometimes daunting task of securing your first computer related job can be eased by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. Often, too much is made of this feature, for it's relatively easy for any focused and well taught person to find work in this industry - because there's a great need for skilled employees.
Help with your CV and interview techniques should be offered (if not, see one of our sites for help). Make sure you update that dusty old CV today - not after you've qualified! A good number of junior support jobs have been offered to people who are still learning and haven't even passed a single exam yet. At the very least this will get your CV into the 'possible' pile and not the 'no' pile. You'll normally experience quicker service from a specialist independent regional employment service than any course provider's employment division, as they'll know the local area and commercial needs better.
Various trainees, so it seems, invest a great deal of time on their training course (sometimes for years), only to give up at the first hurdle when trying to get a good job. Market yourself... Work hard to get yourself known. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.
Lately, do you find yourself questioning the security of your job? Typically, we only think of this after we get some bad news. However, The cold truth is that true job security is a thing of the past, for the vast majority of people. Security can now only exist via a swiftly increasing marketplace, driven by a shortage of trained workers. It's this alone that creates the appropriate setting for a secure marketplace - definitely a more pleasing situation.
Investigating the IT industry, the 2006 e-Skills investigation showed a more than 26 percent shortfall of skilled workers. Therefore, out of each 4 positions existing around IT, companies can only find enough qualified individuals for three of the four. Properly qualified and commercially certified new professionals are therefore at an absolute premium, and it seems it will continue to be so for many years to come. Surely, now really is a fabulous time to consider retraining into IT.
Incorporating exams as an inclusive element of the package price and offering an 'Exam Guarantee' is a popular marketing tool with many training course providers. But look at the facts:
It's become essential these days that we're a little more 'marketing-savvy' - and the majority of us ought to grasp that we are actually being charged for it (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) Passing first time is everyone's goal. Progressively working through your exams when it's appropriate and paying as you go puts you in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt - you put the effort in and are aware of the costs involved.
Isn't it in your interests to find the best exam deal or offer at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to a college, and to do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area? A lot of extra profit is netted by many training colleges that get money for exam fees in advance. For various reasons, many students don't take their exams and so the company is quids-in. Astoundingly enough, there are companies around who depend on students not taking their exams - as that's where a lot of their profit comes from. Pay heed to the fact that, with 'Exam Guarantees' from most places - they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. They'll only allow a re-take once completely satisfied.
Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is foolish - when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is what will get you through.
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