It's really great that you're reading this article! A small number of workers say they enjoy their work, but a huge number simply moan about it and that's it. As you've reached this page we can guess that you've a personal interest in re-training, which means you're already ahead of the pack. The next step is to discover where you want to go and get going.
We suggest that you discuss your ideas first - talk to someone who's familiar with your chosen field; an advisor who can get to the bottom of what you'll like in a job, and offer only the learning programs which will get you there:
* Do you see yourself dealing with people? Would that be with a small 'tightly-knit' team or with a lot of new people? Maybe working on your own with your own methodology may be your preference?
* Building and Banking are not coping well at the moment, so think carefully about the sector that would suit you best?
* Is this the last time you imagine you'll re-train, and if it is, will this new career give you scope to do that?
* Do you feel uncomfortable with regard to your chances of getting another job, and keeping a job to the end of your working life?
We ask you to have a good look at Information Technology - there are a larger number of jobs than people to do them, and it's a rare career choice where the industry is on the grow. Despite what some people believe, IT isn't all techie people gazing at their computer screens the whole day (though naturally some jobs are like that.) The vast majority of roles are occupied by ordinary people who want to earn a very good living.
Many certification companies are still maintaining the slightly musty old method of in-centre classes. Usually touted as a major benefit, after discussion with someone who has first-hand experience, you'll find them listing some or all of the following problems:
* The amount of travel required - multiple visits and quite often 100's of miles each time.
* Workshop accessibility; frequently Monday to Friday and sometimes 2-3 days at a time. It's never convenient to take the required days away from work.
* If we get 20 days holiday per year, sacrificing half of them for training events means we'll be hard-pushed to get a holiday with our families.
* 'In-Centre' workshop days can get way too big.
* Workshop pace - workshops usually consist of students of varied skill, consequently tension can run high between students with more background knowledge and the ones who need a little longer.
* Add up the cost of all the fares or petrol, parking, accommodation and food and you'll be in for a big surprise. Trainees talk of increased costs mounting to several hundred and sometimes thousands of pounds. Take some time to add it all up - and see for yourself.
* A lot of trainees want their training to remain private thus avoiding all come-back in their work.
* Posing questions in front of other class-mates will often make any one of us feel nervous. Have you ever left a question un-asked just because you didn't want to look foolish?
* If you on occasion work elsewhere in the country for several days at a time, imagine the increased difficulty in reaching the necessary events, when time is at a premium.
Doesn't it make a lot more sense to learn when it's convenient for you - not the company - and exploit videos of instructors with interactive virtual-lab's.
Training can take place wherever it suits you. If your PC is a laptop, take in some sun outside while you learn. If you have any problems then make use of the 24x7 support.
It really doesn't matter how often you would like to re-take a quiz or test, on-screen teachers can never get frustrated with you! And don't forget, with this method, note-taking is gone forever. Everything is already there for you.
Even though this can't completely stop every single problem, it definitely makes things easier, simpler and less stressful. Plus you've got less hassle, costs and travel.
Considering the amount of options that are available, is it any wonder that the majority of trainees don't really understand the best career path they will follow.
How can we possibly grasp the tasks faced daily in an IT career when we've never done it? Maybe we don't know someone who works in that sector anyway.
To attack this, we need to discuss a number of unique issues:
* Your personality type plus what interests you - the sort of working tasks you love or hate.
* Are you aiming to pull off a specific aim - for instance, working from home as quickly as possible?
* Does salary have a higher place on your priority-list than some other areas.
* Considering the huge variation that computing covers, it's a requirement that you can understand how they differ.
* It's wise to spend some time thinking about what kind of effort and commitment you'll put into your training.
The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and uncover the best route for you, have an informal chat with an industry expert and advisor; an individual who understands the commercial reality as well as each accreditation.
Author Resource:
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