Saturday, January 23, 2010

IT Training In Interactive Format - Thoughts

By Jason Kendall

Congratulations! As you're reading this article you're probably toying with the idea of re-training to work in a different industry - so already you've made a start. Less of us than you'd think are content with our jobs, but it's rare anyone does more than moan. Why not be one of a small number who take responsibility for their future.

On the subject of training, it's essential to first define what you DO want and DON'T want from the career you'd like to train for. You need to know that the grass actually is greener before your energies are focused on changing the direction of your life. So much better to look at the end goal first, to avoid disappointment:

* Is it your preference to work in isolation or perhaps being around others is an important option?

* What elements are you looking for from the market sector you work in? - We all know that things have changed, look at building and banking for instance.

* When you've done all your re-training, are you hoping your new skills will give you the ability to get you jobs for the rest of your working life?

* Are you concerned with regard to your chances of getting new work, and being in demand in the employment market all the way until retirement?

The most significant market sector in Great Britain that can satisfy a trainee's demands is the IT industry. There's a shortage of skilled workers in this market, just check out any job site and you'll see for yourself. Don't let people tell you it's all nerdy people staring at theirscreens all day - it's much more diverse than that. The majority of staff in IT are just like you and me, with well paid and stimulating jobs.

Getting your first commercial position can feel more straightforward with the help of a Job Placement Assistance facility. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, for it is genuinely quite straightforward for well qualified and focused men and women to find a job in IT - as employers are keen to find appropriately well trained people.

Bring your CV up to date as soon as possible however - you should get plenty of help from your training provider on this. Don't put it off till you've finished your exams.

You may not have got to the stage where you've qualified when you will be offered your first junior support job; yet this can't and won't happen unless your CV is with employers.

The most efficient companies to help you find a job are generally independent and specialised local recruitment services. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.

Fundamentally, if you put as much hard work into getting a position as into training, you're not likely to experience problems. Some people strangely put hundreds of hours into their learning program and just give up once they've passed their exams and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

Ignore a salesperson who pushes one particular program without performing a 'fact-find' to gain understanding of your current abilities and also your experience level. Ensure that they have a wide-enough array of training from which they could solve your training issues.

Remember, if you've had any relevant accreditation or direct-experience, then you will often be able to begin at a different level to a trainee with no history to speak of.

Starting with a user skills course first may be the ideal way to start into your computer studies, but depends on your skill level.

You have to be sure that all your certifications are current and commercially required - you're wasting your time with programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself).

If your certification doesn't come from a conglomerate such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA, then chances are it will have been a waste of time - as no-one will have heard of it.

Think about the points below carefully if you believe that old marketing ploy of examination guarantees seems like a good idea:

These days, we tend to be a little more 'marketing-savvy' - and generally we grasp that it is something we're paying for - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away!

Evidence shows that if students pay for their own exams, one by one, they will be much more likely to get through on the first attempt - because they'll think of the cost and their application will be greater.

Find the best exam deal or offer available when you're ready, and save having to find the money early. You also get more choice of where you do the examinations - so you can find somewhere local.

Considerable numbers of unscrupulous training companies secure huge amounts of money because they're asking for exam fees early then hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do.

The majority of organisations will insist on pre-tests and hold you back from re-takes until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

Splashing out often many hundreds of pounds extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is remiss - when study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really see you through.

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