People researching courses for the IT sector will notice the number of diverse options there are. Before starting a training program, seek out a train...
People researching courses for the IT sector will notice the number of diverse options there are. Before starting a training program,
seek out a training provider with industry experts, so you can be fully informed on the job roles your training will prepare you for. It's possible you'll learn about job roles you hadn't previously thought of. The range of courses is vast. Certain students need Microsoft user skills, others want career skills such as courses on Networking, Programming, Databases or Web Design - and all can be catered for. However, with so many to choose from, don't leave it to chance. We'd advise you to talk to a company who knows this commercial sector, and can steer you in the right direction.
The latest training methods at last allow students to be educated on an interactive course, that costs far less than more outdated courses. The economies of scale of these courses makes them available to all.
The age-old way of teaching, involving piles of reference textbooks, is usually pretty hard going. If you're nodding as you read this, check out study materials which feature interactive and multimedia modules. Our ability to remember is increased with an involvement of all our senses - learning experts have been saying this for years now.
Learning is now available on CD and DVD discs, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Utilising the latest video technology, you will be able to see the instructor presenting exactly how it's all done, with some practice time to follow - in a virtual lab environment. You really need to look at courseware examples from any company that you may want to train through. It's essential they incorporate full motion videos of instructors demonstrating the topic with lab's to practice the skills in.
Choose actual CD or DVD ROM's whenever you can. You can then avoid all the difficulties of internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.
One useful service that several companies offer is job placement assistance. It's intention is to assist your search for your first position. Ultimately it isn't a complex operation to land employment - once you're trained and certified; employers in this country need your skills.
Work on polishing up your CV right away however - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don't delay till you've finished your exams. You'll often find that you'll secure your initial job while still studying (even when you've just left first base). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you aren't even in the running! Generally, a specialist locally based recruitment consultant or service (who will get paid commission to place you) is going to give you a better service than a centralised training company's service. Also of course they should be familiar with the local industry and employment needs.
Fundamentally, as long as you focus the same level of energy into landing your first job as into studying, you're not going to hit many challenges. Some trainees curiously spend hundreds of hours on their course materials and then call a halt once qualified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
One interesting way that training companies make more money is through up-front charges for exams and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. This looks like a great idea for the student, but is it really:
You'll be charged for it one way or another. It's definitely not free - they've simply charged more for the whole training package. Should you seriously need to get a first time pass, then the most successful route is to fund each exam as you take it, prioritise it appropriately and apply yourself as required.
Does it really add up to pay a training company up-front for examination fees? Find the best exam deal or offer when you're ready, instead of paying a premium - and do it in a local testing centre - not at somewhere of their bidding. Buying a course that includes payments for exams (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is insane. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with extra money of yours just to give them more interest! There are those who hope that you won't get to do them all - but they won't refund the cash. It's worth noting, in the majority of cases of 'exam guarantees' - the company decides when you can do your re-takes. You'll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they'll pay for another exam.
Exams taken at VUE and Prometric centres are in the region of 112 pounds in this country. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in 'Exam Guarantee' costs (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.
Potential trainees hopeful to start an IT career generally aren't sure which route they should take, let alone which sector to get certified in. Because with no previous experience in the IT industry, how can most of us know what anyone doing a particular job actually does? Usually, the way to come at this question in the best manner lies in an in-depth chat, covering a variety of topics:
* What hobbies you have and enjoy - often these reveal the possibilities you'll get the most enjoyment out of.
* Is your focus to re-train because of a certain reason - for instance, is it your goal to work from home (being your own boss?)?
* Is your income higher on your priority-list than other requirements.
* With everything that the IT industry covers, it's important to be able to absorb what's different.
* Our advice is to think deeply about any sacrifices you'll need to make, as well as what commitment and time that you will set aside for your training.
To bypass the confusing industry jargon, and discover the most viable option for your success, have an in-depth discussion with an industry-experienced advisor; an individual that appreciates and can explain the commercial realities as well as the accreditations.
