Network and PC support workers are increasingly in demand in the United Kingdom, as businesses are becoming more reliant upon their knowledge and capacity to solve problems. Our desire for such skilled and qualified individuals is ever increasing, as commercial enterprise becomes progressively more computer dependent.
‘Exam Guarantees’ are often bundled with training offers – this always means you have to pay for the exams before you’ve even made a start on the course. But before you get taken in by guaranteed exams, think about this:
You’ll be charged for it by some means. It’s definitely not free – they’ve just worked it into the package price.
Trainees who enter their exams one by one, funding them one at a time are much better placed to get through first time. They are aware of their spending and revise more thoroughly to make sure they’re ready.
Sit the exam somewhere close to home and look for the very best offer you can at the time.
A surprising number of questionable training course providers net huge amounts of money by getting in the money for exam fees early and hoping either that you won’t take them, or it will be a long time before you do.
Remember, with most ‘Exam Guarantees’ – they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company’s say so.
Exam fees averaged about 112 pounds twelve months or so ago via UK VUE or Prometric centres. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra for ‘an Exam Guarantee’, when it’s no secret that the responsible approach is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.
Be on the lookout that any exams that you’re considering will be recognised by employers and are the most recent versions. Training companies own certificates are generally useless.
If the accreditation doesn’t feature a company like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco, then you’ll probably find it will have been a waste of time – because it won’t give an employer any directly-useable skills.
A lot of training companies only provide support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; It’s rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover.
Avoid training that only supports trainees through a call-centre messaging service outside of normal office hours. Companies will defend this with all kinds of excuses. But, no matter how they put it – you want to be supported when you need the help – not when it’s convenient for them.
Keep your eyes open for providers that use several support centres across multiple time-zones. These should be integrated to offer a simple interface and also 24×7 access, when it suits you, with the minimum of hassle.
Never make the mistake of compromise where support is concerned. Many IT hopefuls who throw in the towel, are in that situation because they didn’t get the support necessary for them.
Massive developments are about to hit technology over the next generation – and the industry becomes more ground-breaking every year.
Many people are of the opinion that the revolution in technology that’s been a familiar part of our recent lives is easing off. There is no truth in this at all. Terrific advances are ahead of us, and the internet in particular is going to dominate how we conduct our lives.
If earning a good living is around the top on your scale of wants, you will appreciate the fact that the income on average of most men and women in IT is noticeably more than with much of the rest of industry.
The good news is there is no end in sight for IT jobs expansion throughout this country. The market is still growing rapidly, and with the skills shortage of over 26 percent that we’re experiencing, it’s not showing any signs that things will be any different for a good while yet.
The perhaps intimidating chore of getting your first IT job can be relieved by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance service. Don’t get caught up in this feature – it isn’t unusual for eager sales people to overplay it. Ultimately, the huge shortage of staff in this country is what will make you attractive to employers.
However, don’t leave it until you have qualified before getting your CV updated. As soon as you start studying, mark down what you’re doing and get promoting!
A good number of junior support roles have been bagged by students who are still studying and have yet to take their exams. At the very least this will get you into the ‘maybe’ pile of CV’s – rather than the ‘No’ pile.
The top companies to help you land that job are normally specialised and independent recruitment consultants. As they’re keen to place you to receive their commission, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.
A common frustration for many training providers is how much trainees are prepared to work to pass exams, but how un-prepared that student is to get the position they have qualified for. Have confidence – the IT industry needs YOU.
(C) Jason Kendall. Pop to LearningLolly.com for intelligent advice on IT Course and Comptia Network+ Course.