Cisco training is designed for people who need to know all about routers. Routers join up computer networks over the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. The chances are that your first course should be the CCNA. Steer clear of going immediately onto the CCNP because it is very complex - and you should gain some working knowledge to have a go at this.
Routers are linked to networks, so seek out training that features the basics on networks (CompTIA Network+ as an example - maybe with the A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. It's essential to have this background understanding on networks prior to starting your Cisco training or you may be out of your depth. At interview time, networking skills will be valuable to complement your CCNA.
Having the right skills and correct mind-set in advance of starting the CCNA is crucial. Therefore, discuss the requirements expected of you with someone who can tell you what else you need to know.
Students often end up having issues because of one area of their training which doesn't even occur to them: The breakdown of the course materials before being couriered to your address. You may think it logical (when study may take one to three years for a full commercial certification,) for your typical trainer to courier one module at a time, until you've passed all the exams. Although: What if you find the order prescribed by the provider doesn't suit you. And what if you don't finish all the sections at the speed required?
For future safety and flexibility, it's not unusual for students to have all their training materials (which they've now paid for) sent immediately, and not in a piecemeal fashion. You can then decide at what speed and in which order you want to work.
Every program under consideration must provide a commercially valid certification at the finale - and not some unimportant 'in-house' printed certificate to hang in your hallway. All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe each have nationally recognised skills programs. Huge conglomerates such as these will give some sparkle to your CV.
Many trainers supply a practical Job Placement Assistance service, designed to steer you into your first job. The fact of the matter is it's not as hard as some people make out to land the right work - as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.
Having said that, it's important to have help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews though; also we would encourage everybody to work on polishing up their CV as soon as training commences - don't wait till you've finished your exams. Various junior support roles have been bagged by students who are still learning and have yet to take their exams. This will at the very least get you on your way. You'll normally experience better performance from a specialist independent regional employment service than you'll experience from any training course provider's centralised service, as they'll know the local area and commercial needs better.
A good number of trainees, it would appear, put a great deal of effort into their studies (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of attempting to secure a job. Introduce yourself... Do your best to get in front of employers. Good jobs don't just knock on your door.
Coming across job security in this economic down-turn is very unusual. Companies often drop us out of the workforce with very little notice - whenever it suits. But a fast growing sector, with a constant demand for staff (because of a growing shortage of properly qualified professionals), provides a market for proper job security.
The computer industry skills deficit throughout the country is standing at roughly 26 percent, as reported by the 2006 e-Skills investigation. That means for every 4 jobs that are available throughout computing, there are only 3 trained people to do them. Gaining full commercial Information Technology accreditation is accordingly a 'Fast Track' to succeed in a long-lasting as well as gratifying occupation. While the market is expanding at the speed it is, is there any other sector worth taking into account for a new career.
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