Network and computer support workers are increasingly sought after in Great Britain, as businesses are becoming more reliant upon their knowledge and ability to fix and repair. Industry's need for increasing numbers of skilled and qualified individuals is enhanced, as we become ever more dependent on PC's in the twenty first century.
Beware of putting too much emphasis, as a lot of students can, on the certification itself. Training is not an end in itself; you're training to become commercially employable. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve. It's a testament to the marketing skills of the big companies, but a great many students begin programs that seem marvellous in the sales literature, but which delivers a career that doesn't satisfy. Speak to a selection of university students for a real eye-opener.
Spend some time thinking about earning potential and how ambitious you are. This will influence which particular certifications will be expected and how much effort you'll have to give in return. Before setting out on a particular training programme, it's good advice to talk through individual career needs with a professional advisor, to ensure the retraining programme covers everything needed.
The way a programme is physically sent to you isn't always given the appropriate level of importance. How is the courseware broken down? What is the order and how fast does each element come? By and large, you'll join a programme taking 1-3 years and receive one element at a time until graduation. It seems to make sense on one level, but consider these issues: What would happen if you didn't finish each and every exam at the speed they required? And maybe you'll find their order of completion won't be as easy as some other order of studying might.
To be straight, the best option is to get an idea of what they recommend as an ideal study order, but get everything up-front. You then have everything in the event you don't complete everything at their required pace.
Your training program should always include the very latest Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised exam preparation and simulation materials. Confirm that the practice exams are not only asking questions on the right subjects, but ask them in the exact format that the real exams will formulate them. It can really throw some trainees if the phraseology and format is completely different. Obviously, it is really important to know that you're completely ready for the real exam prior to going for it. Revising mock-up tests will help to boost your attitude and will avoid you getting frustrated with wasted exam attempts.
A lot of training companies will only offer support available from 9-6 (office hours) and sometimes later on specific days; most won't answer after 8-9pm at the latest and frequently never at the weekends. You'll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, when it's convenient to them. This is no good if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
If you look properly, you'll find professional companies who provide their students online direct access support 24x7 - at any time of day or night. If you fail to get yourself support round-the-clock, you'll very quickly realise that you've made a mistake. You may not need it late in the night, but you're bound to use weekends, late evenings or early mornings.
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