IT Study Providers - Thoughts

By: Jason Kendall Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Four specialist training areas feature in the overall A+ programme, of which you'll need certification in two subjects for competency in A+. Be aware though that only learning about 2 of the study sections could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. At least learn about all four - this will give you the edge in the working environment.

As well as learning about the ins and outs of building and maintaining computers, trainees involved in this training will be taught how to operate in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems. You might also choose to think about supplementing the A+ with Network + as you'll then be in a position to take care of computer networks, which means greater employment benefits.

The somewhat scary thought of finding your first computer related job is often made easier by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance service. The fact of the matter is it isn't a complex operation to get a job - assuming you're well trained and qualified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Update your CV at the beginning of your training though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't procrastinate and leave it for when you're ready to start work. Having the possibility of an interview is far better than not even being known about. Many junior support jobs are given to people in the early stages of their course. If it's important to you to find work near your home, then it's quite likely that a specialist locally based employment agency may work much better for you than a national service, as they are much more inclined to know what's available near you.

Essentially, as long as you put the same commitment into securing a position as into training, you're not likely to experience problems. A number of trainees strangely invest a great deal of time on their training and studies and just give up once qualified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

Please understand this most important point: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock professional support from mentors and instructors. Later, you'll kick yourself if you don't. Beware of institutions which use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - where an advisor will call back during normal office hours. It's no use when you're stuck on a problem and need an answer now.

World-class organisations tend to use a web-based round-the-clock package combining multiple support operations across the globe. You're offered an environment which seamlessly selects the best facility available at any time of day or night: Support when it's needed. Don't ever make the mistake of taking second best where support is concerned. Most trainees who fall by the wayside, are in that situation because they didn't get the support necessary for them.

There are a plethora of job availability in IT. Arriving at the correct choice for yourself can be very difficult. Consequently, if you have no know-how of the IT industry, how are you equipped to know what any qualified IT worker actually does day-to-day? Let alone decide on which training route is the most likely for a successful result. Often, the key to unlocking this quandary appropriately lies in an in-depth conversation around several different topics:

* What nature of person you consider yourself to be - what tasks do you get enjoyment from, and don't forget - what makes you unhappy.

* Do you want to re-train because of a particular reason - for example, do you aim to work at home (working for yourself?)?

* Is the money you make further up on your wish list than other factors.

* There are many ways to train in computing - there's a need to gain some background information on what differentiates them.

* Having a serious look at what commitment and time you'll make available.

To bypass the industry jargon, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have an informal chat with an industry expert and advisor; an individual who understands the commercial reality as well as each qualification.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - inevitably that means paying for the exams at the very beginning of your studies. Before you jump at the chance of a guarantee, consider this:

You'll pay for it ultimately. One thing's for sure - it isn't free - it's simply been shoe-horned into the price as a whole. Passing first time is everyone's goal. Taking your exams progressively when it's appropriate and funding them as you go has a marked effect on pass-rates - you put the effort in and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Go for the best offer you can find at the appropriate time, and hang on to your cash. You'll then be able to select where you do the examinations - so you can find somewhere local. Including money in your training package for examination fees (plus interest - if you're financing your study) is insane. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with extra money of yours just to give them a good cash-flow! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you won't get to do them all - then they'll keep the extra money. Many training companies will insist on pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - making an 'exam guarantee' just about worthless.

On average, exams cost about 112 pounds twelve months or so ago through VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra to get 'an Exam Guarantee', when common sense dictates that the best guarantee is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.

Always expect the current Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Be sure that your practice exams are not just posing the correct questions on the right subjects, but additionally ask them in the way that the actual final exam will structure them. It can really throw some students if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies. Ensure that you ask for exam preparation tools that will allow you to test your comprehension along the way. Simulations of exams log the information in your brain - then the actual exam is much easier.