In the UK today, many workplaces couldn’t function properly if it weren’t for support workers solving problems with networks and computers, while recommending solutions to users each and every day. The world’s desire for such skilled and qualified people is constantly growing, as everywhere we work becomes progressively more technologically advanced.
One thing you must always insist on is proper direct-access 24×7 support via dedicated instructors and mentors. Far too often we see trainers who only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later (but not weekends usually).
Look for training with proper support available at all hours of the day and night (irrespective of whether it’s the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get direct access to tutors, and not simply some messaging service that means you’re constantly waiting for a call-back during office hours.
Be on the lookout for study programmes that have multiple support offices active in different time-zones. Each one should be integrated to provide a single interface and also round-the-clock access, when you need it, with no fuss.
Never ever take second best when you’re looking for the right support service. Many IT hopefuls that can’t get going properly, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).
People attracted to this sort of work are often very practical, and won’t enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and slogging through piles of books. If this could be you, go for more modern interactive training, where you can learn everything on-screen.
If we’re able to utilise all of our senses into our learning, our results will often be quite spectacular.
The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you’ll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by utilising the practice lab’s and modules.
Every company that you look at must be able to demonstrate some simple examples of their training materials. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.
It’s usually bad advice to select online only courseware. With highly variable reliability and quality from most broadband providers, ensure that you have access to physical media such as CD or DVD ROM’s.
An advisor that doesn’t ask many questions – it’s more than likely they’re just a salesperson. If someone pushes specific products before looking at your personality and experience, then it’s definitely the case.
Don’t forget, if in the past you’ve acquired any previous certification, then you will often be able to pick-up at a different starting-point to someone new to the industry.
For students starting IT studies and exams as a new venture, it can be helpful to start out slowly, kicking off with some basic PC skills training first. This can be built into most training packages.
Every program under consideration really needs to work up to a properly recognised qualification at the finale – definitely not some ‘in-house’ plaque for your wall.
Only properly recognised accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA and Cisco will be useful to a future employer.
(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for the best information. Click Here or Computer Networking Courses.
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