IT Training Providers In Detail

By Jason Kendall

Well Done! By reading this you've doubtless been pondering on re-training to work in a different industry - that means you've already taken one more step than the majority. Less of us than you'd think are satisfied with our careers, but it's rare anyone does more than moan. So, why not be one of the few who actually do something about it.

We recommend you seek advice 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 then show you the courses which are appropriate for you:

* Do you enjoy a busy working environment? Are you better with new people or those you know well? Maybe you like to deal with tasks that you can get on with on your own?

* Are you thinking carefully about which area you maybe could work in? (With the economic downturn, it's more important than ever to choose carefully.)

* When you've done all your re-training, would you like your new abilities to get you jobs for the rest of your working life?

* Is it important for your study to be in an area where you know your chances of gainful employment are high up to retirement age?

The biggest industry in Great Britain that fulfils the above criteria is Information Technology. There's a demand for more knowledgeable people in this market, just check out any jobs website and you will find them yourself. Don't misunderstand and think it's full of techie geeks gazing towards theirscreens all the time - it's much more diverse than that. Large numbers of workers in the computer industry are just like the rest of us, and they have very interesting and well paid jobs.

You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - this always means you have to pay for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. However, prior to embracing guaranteed exams, be aware of the facts:

In this day and age, we're a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and most of us know that for sure it is actually an additional cost to us - they're not just being charitable and doling out freebies!

Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Taking your exams progressively when it's appropriate and funding them as you go sees you much better placed to get through first time - you prepare appropriately and think carefully about the costs.

Take your exams somewhere local and find the best exam deal or offer available then.

A great deal of money is secured by a significant number of organisations that take the exam money up-front. For various reasons, many students don't take their exams but no refunds are given. Believe it or not, there are providers that depend on students not taking their exams - as that's how they make a lot of their profit.

The majority of organisations will require you to do mock exams and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

With average Prometric and VUE exams coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, it makes sense to pay as you go. Why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra at the beginning of your training? Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

The old fashioned style of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, is often a huge slog for most of us. If this describes you, dig around for more practical courses that are multimedia based.

Studies have consistently verified that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.

The latest home-based training features interactive CD and DVD ROM's. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll take everything in through the expert demonstrations. Then it's time to test your knowledge by practicing and interacting with the software.

Each company you're contemplating should be able to show you a few samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.

It doesn't make sense to select online only courseware. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across most broadband providers, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

We can all agree: There really is very little evidence of individual job security now; there can only be market or sector security - companies can just drop any single member of staff whenever it suits their business requirements.

Security only exists now through a rapidly growing marketplace, driven by a lack of trained workers. It's this shortage that creates the right conditions for a higher level of market-security - a far better situation.

The computer industry skills deficit across the United Kingdom clocks in at roughly 26 percent, according to a recent e-Skills investigation. Put simply, we can only fill three out of every four jobs in Information Technology (IT).

This alarming idea reveals the requirement for more technically accredited computing professionals throughout the country.

With the market evolving at such a speed, is there any other sector worth taking into account for a new future.

Student support is absolutely essential - look for a package that provides 24x7 direct access, as not opting for this kind of support could hamper your progress.

Locate training schools where you can receive help at all hours of the day and night (irrespective of whether it's the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Make sure it's always 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 when it's convenient for them.

It's possible to find the top providers which offer online support at all times - even in the middle of the night.

Never make the mistake of compromise where support is concerned. Most students that drop-out or fail, are in that situation because of a lack of support.

Consider only learning programmes which progress to industry accepted certifications. There are way too many small colleges offering 'in-house' certificates which will prove unusable in today's commercial market.

Only nationally recognised qualifications from the major players like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco and Adobe will open the doors to employers. - 29852

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