by Jason Kendall
Computer and network support workers are more and more in demand in Great Britain, as companies become progressively more dependent on their technical advice and skills. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technological advances, greater numbers of competent professionals are needed to dedicate themselves to the smooth operation of functions we rely on.
Let’s face it: There really is pretty much no personal job security anywhere now; there can only be industry or business security - a company will let anyone go whenever it fits the business’ commercial needs. In times of increasing skills deficits together with growing demand of course, we often discover a fresh type of security in the marketplace; where, fuelled by the constant growth conditions, businesses find it hard to locate the staff required.
The Information Technology (IT) skills-gap across the country currently stands at just over twenty six percent, as shown by the most recent e-Skills study. So, out of each 4 positions existing around the computer industry, organisations can only locate certified professionals for 3 of the 4. This basic reality highlights the validity and need for more technically trained Information Technology professionals throughout Great Britain. Without a doubt, this really is a fabulous time to retrain into the IT industry.
Which sort of questions should we ask if we’d like to gain the understanding necessary? Because it’s apparent there are some somewhat phenomenal opportunities for everyone to mull over.
With so much choice, is it any wonder that a large majority of newcomers to the industry get stuck choosing the job they could be successful with. I mean, if you’ve got no experience in the IT sector, how are you equipped to know what some particular IT person does each day? Let alone decide on what educational path will be most suitable for your success. Generally, the way to deal with this dilemma in the best manner stems from a thorough discussion of some important points:
* Your personal interests and hobbies - often these show the things will provide a happy working life.
* Is it your desire to realise an important objective - for example, working from home someday?
* Is salary further up on your wish list than other factors.
* Getting to grips with what typical career roles and sectors are - and what differentiates them.
* How much time you’re prepared to spend on obtaining your certification.
For most of us, sifting through so much data needs a long talk with an advisor who knows what they’re talking about. Not only the accreditations - but the commercial requirements besides.
Many commercial training providers will only provide support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; very few go late in the evening or at weekends. Locate training schools where you can receive help at any time you choose (even if it’s early hours on Sunday morning!) You want direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not access to a call-in service which takes messages - so you’re parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back at a convenient time for them.
Top training companies have many support offices active in different time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all together, irrespective of the time you login, help is just seconds away, without any problems or delays. Seek out a company that cares. As only live 24×7 round-the-clock support gives you the confidence to make it.
The age-old way of teaching, using textbooks and whiteboards, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, check out study materials that are on-screen and interactive. Where we can utilise all of our senses into our learning, then we normally see dramatically better results.
Locate a program where you’re provided with an array of CD and DVD based materials - you’ll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, with the facility to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions. Be sure to get a study material demo’ from your training provider. You’ll want to see slide-shows, instructor-led videos and lab’s for you to practice your skills in.
Avoid training that is purely online. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where obtainable, as you need to be able to use them whenever it’s convenient for you - you don’t want to be reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.
Commercially accredited qualifications are now, very visibly, taking over from the traditional routes into IT - so why is this happening? The IT sector now acknowledges that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, proper accreditation supplied for example by Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is closer to the mark commercially - and a fraction of the cost and time. Of course, a reasonable amount of closely linked information has to be learned, but core specialised knowledge in the particular job function gives a commercially educated student a massive advantage.
It’s a bit like the TV advert: ‘It does what it says on the label’. All an employer has to do is know what they need doing, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. That way they can be sure they’re interviewing applicants who can do the job.
It’s not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - inevitably that means paying for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you jump at a course with such a promise, why not think about this:
Clearly it isn’t free - you’re still being charged for it - it’s just been wrapped up in the price of the package. It’s everybody’s ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Progressively working through your exams when it’s appropriate and funding them as you go makes it far more likely you’ll pass first time - you take it seriously and think carefully about the costs.
Look for the very best offer you can at the appropriate time, and hang on to your cash. You also get more choice of where you take your exam - so you can find somewhere local. A great deal of money is secured by a significant number of organisations that get money upfront for exam fees. For various reasons, many students don’t take their exams and so they pocket the rest. Believe it or not, providers exist who actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that’s very profitable for them. It’s also worth noting that you should consider what an ‘exam guarantee’ really means. Most companies won’t be prepared to pay for you to re-take until you’ve completely satisfied them that you’re ready this time.
Average exam fees were 112 pounds or thereabouts in the last 12 months via local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. So don’t be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more for ‘Exam Guarantees’, when it’s obvious that the most successful method is study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams.
You should only consider retraining programs which will grow into industry accepted certifications. There’s a plethora of small companies proposing unknown ‘in-house’ certificates which will prove unusable when it comes to finding a job. If your certification doesn’t come from a big-hitter like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe, then you may discover it won’t be commercially viable - because no-one will recognise it.