Network and PC support technicians are constantly sought after in Great Britain, as institutions have come to depend on their technical advice and ability to fix and repair. With the increasingly complex nature of technology, many more competent professionals are required to specialise in the smooth operation of functions we need to be sure will work effectively.
It's likely that you probably enjoy fairly practical work - a 'hands-on' type. Typically, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if you'd really rather not use books. Research into the way we learn shows that much more of what we learn in remembered when all our senses are involved, and we get practically involved in what we're studying.
Interactive full motion video utilising video demo's and practice lab's beat books hands-down. And you'll actually enjoy doing them. Each company you're contemplating should willingly take you through some simple examples of the materials provided for study. You should hope for instructor-led videos and many interactive sections.
It is generally unwise to choose training that is only available online. Because of the variable quality and reliability of your average broadband company, make sure you get disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).
One area often overlooked by potential students thinking about a course is that of 'training segmentation'. This is essentially how the program is broken down into parts to be delivered to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up. Drop-shipping your training elements one piece at a time, according to your exam schedule is the normal way of receiving your courseware. While seeming sensible, you should consider these factors: Sometimes the steps or stages pushed by the company's salespeople doesn't suit all of us. You may find it a stretch to finalise all the sections inside their defined time-scales?
To provide the maximum security and flexibility, it's normal for most trainees to make sure that every element of their training is sent immediately, and not in a piecemeal fashion. It's then up to you in which order and at what speed you want to finish things.
With all the options available, it's not really surprising that most potential trainees balk at what job they will follow. Reading lists of IT career possibilities is no use whatsoever. Most of us don't even know what our next-door neighbours do at work each day - let alone understand the intricacies of a particular IT career. To work through this, we need to discuss a variety of core topics:
* Personality plays a significant role - what gets you 'up and running', and what are the activities that get you down.
* Why it seems right moving into Information Technology - maybe you'd like to conquer a long-held goal like firing your boss and working for yourself for instance.
* Any personal or home requirements you may have?
* Getting to grips with what typical career roles and markets are - including what sets them apart.
* The level of commitment and effort you will commit your training.
The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and discover the most viable option for your success, have an informal meeting with an industry expert and advisor; someone that appreciates and can explain the commercial realities whilst covering each accreditation.
An all too common mistake that many potential students make is to choose a career based on a course, and not focus on the desired end-result. Schools have thousands of students that chose a program because it looked interesting - instead of what would yield the job they want. It's an awful thing, but thousands of new students start out on programs that sound magnificent from the sales literature, but which gets us a career that is of no interest at all. Just ask several college students for examples.
Get to grips with what you want to earn and the level of your ambition. Usually, this will point the way to what particular qualifications you will need and what'll be expected of you in your new role. Have a conversation with an experienced industry professional that has a commercial understanding of the realities faced in the industry, and who can give you a detailed description of what you actually do in that role. Getting to the bottom of all this before beginning a study program will save you both time and money.
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