Regional Stock Reports

Network and computer support workers are more and more sought after in Great Britain, as organisations have come to depend on their technical advice and capacity to solve problems. Because our society becomes more and more reliant on our PC’s, we simultaneously inevitably become increasingly dependent on the technically knowledgeable IT networkers, who maintain those systems.

At times individuals don’t comprehend what IT means. It’s ground-breaking, exciting, and means you’re doing your bit in the gigantic wave of technology that will change our world over the next few decades. Society largely thinks that the increase in technology we’ve been going through is lowering its pace. This couldn’t be more wrong. Terrific advances are ahead of us, and most especially the internet will be the biggest thing to affect the way we live.

Always remember that typical remuneration in the IT market over Britain as a whole is significantly better than in the rest of the economy, therefore you will probably earn considerably more as a trained IT professional, than you would in most typical jobs. It seems there’s a lot more room for IT jobs development throughout this country. The market continues to grow quickly, and with the skills shortage of over 26 percent that we’re experiencing, it’s highly unlikely that things will be any different for the significant future.

So, which sort of questions should we be asking if we want to arrive at the understanding we need? Since there seems to be some fairly outstanding possibilities for everyone to investigate.

An all too common mistake that potential students often succumb to is to concentrate on the course itself, and take their eye off the end result they want to achieve. Universities are full of direction-less students who took a course because it seemed fun - rather than what would get them an enjoyable career or job. Don’t be one of those unfortunate people who select a program that seems ‘fun’ or ‘interesting’ - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for an unrewarding career path.

Be honest with yourself about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. Sometimes, this affects what qualifications you will need and what industry will expect from you in return. Seek out help from a skilled professional that ‘gets’ the commercial realities of the area you’re interested in, and who can offer ‘A typical day in the life of’ understanding of of what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis. It makes good sense to ensure you’re on the right track before you embark on your training program. What’s the point in kicking off your training only to realise you’ve made a huge mistake.

We’d hazard a guess that you’re quite practically minded - a ‘hands-on’ person. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms would be considered as a last resort, but it’s not really your thing. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if book-based learning really isn’t your style. Memory is vastly improved when we use multiple senses - educational experts have expounded on this for years now.

Modern training can now be done at home via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM’s. Real-world classes from the instructors will mean you’ll learn your subject via their teaching and demonstrations. Then it’s time to test your knowledge by practicing and interacting with the software. It’s imperative to see examples of the study materials provided by any company that you may want to train through. You’ll want to see that they include video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.

Purely on-line training should be avoided. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where possible, as you need to be able to use them whenever it’s convenient for you - you don’t want to be reliant on a good broadband connection all the time.

There is no way of over emphasising this: Always get full 24×7 instructor support. We can tell you that you’ll strongly regret it if you don’t. Try and find training where you can access help at any time you choose (irrespective of whether it’s the wee hours on Sunday morning!) You’ll need direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you’re constantly waiting for a call-back - probably during office hours.

The very best programs utilise an online access round-the-clock package involving many support centres over many time-zones. You’ll have an easy to use environment which switches seamlessly to the best choice of centres any time of the day or night: Support when you need it. Unless you insist on 24×7 support, you’ll end up kicking yourself. You may avoid using the support late in the night, but what about weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

Many people question why academic qualifications are being overtaken by more commercial certifications? Industry now recognises that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, the right accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Patently, a certain quantity of associated information must be taught, but core specifics in the particular job function gives a commercially educated person a distinct advantage.

Just as the old advertisement said: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Companies need only to know what areas need to be serviced, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

One interesting way that course providers make a lot more is by charging for exams up-front and offering an exam guarantee. This sounds impressive, but let’s just examine it more closely:

They’ve allowed costings for it one way or another. One thing’s for sure - it isn’t free - it’s just been rolled into the price of the whole package. It’s well known in the industry that if a student pays for each examination, one after the other, there’s a much better chance they’ll qualify each time - because they’re aware of the cost and their application will be greater.

Look for the very best offer you can when you take the exam, and save having to find the money early. In addition, it’s then your choice where to take your exam - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. Paying upfront for exams (and interest charges if you’re borrowing money) is a false economy. Resist being talked into filling the training company’s account with additional funds only to please their Bank Manager! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you won’t get round to taking them - so they don’t need to pay for them. It’s also worth noting that ‘Exam Guarantees’ often aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. The majority of organisations won’t be prepared to pay for re-takes until you’ve completely satisfied them that you’re ready this time.

Average exam fees were approximately 112 pounds in the last 12 months via VUE or Pro-metric centres in the UK. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra for ‘Exam Guarantees’, when it’s no secret that the best guarantee is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.

The perhaps intimidating chore of landing your first role in IT is often eased by training colleges, through a Job Placement Assistance facility. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it isn’t unusual for their marketing department to make it sound harder than it is. Ultimately, the massive skills shortage in Great Britain is the reason you’ll find a job.

Get your CV updated straight-away though - look to your training company for advice on how to do this. Don’t delay till you’ve finished your exams. You may not have got to the stage where you’ve passed your first exam when you land your first junior support position; yet this can’t and won’t happen unless your CV is with employers. The most reliable organisations to get you a new position are most often specialist independent regional recruitment consultancies. As they’re keen to place you to receive their commission, they’re perhaps more focused on results.

Many students, apparently, put a great deal of effort into their studies (sometimes for years), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for a good job. Market yourself… Work hard to put yourself out there. A job isn’t just going to bump into you.

There are a total of 4 specialist training sectors in the overall A+ programme, but you’re just required to achieve pass marks in 2 for competency in A+. Be aware though that limiting yourself to 2 of the study sections might well not equip you for a job. Try to cover all four - employers will notice the difference.

CompTIA A+ in isolation will set you up to fix and maintain stand-alone PC’s and MAC’s; ones which are usually not part of a network - which means the home or small business market. If your ambition is maintaining networks, you’ll need to add Network+ to your A+ course. This qualification will enable you to command a more senior job role. You may also want to consider the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

Being aware of all the debate about computing technology currently, how can we understand what precisely to look for?

There are an excess of work available in Information Technology. Finding the particular one in this uncertainty can be very difficult. Because without any commercial background in Information Technology, how can most of us be expected to know what any job actually involves? Often, the key to unlocking this issue correctly comes from a full discussion of several different topics:

* Personality factors plus what interests you - which work-centred jobs you like and dislike.

* What is the time-frame for retraining?

* Does salary have a higher place on your wish list than other requirements.

* Always think in-depth about the energy needed to attain their desired level.

* You need to take in what is different for each individual training area.

When all is said and done, the best way of investigating all this is through a good talk with a professional who understands the market well enough to lead you to the correct decision.

One thing you must always insist on is full 24×7 support with expert mentors and instructors. Far too often we see trainers who only seem to want to help while they’re in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Look for training where you can access help at any time of the day or night (irrespective of whether it’s the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Make sure it’s always 24×7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not a call-centre that will take messages so you’re parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.

Keep looking and you’ll come across professional companies who provide their students direct-access support at all times - no matter what time of day it is. Never settle for anything less. Direct-access 24×7 support is the only kind to make the grade when it comes to technical learning. It’s possible you don’t intend to study late evenings; usually though, we’re working during the provided support period.

If you’re like many of the students we talk to then you’re a practical sort of person - a ‘hands-on’ type. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you’ll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it doesn’t suit your way of doing things. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if books just don’t do it for you. Recent studies into the way we learn shows that we remember much more when we use all our senses, and we get practically involved in what we’re studying.

Interactive audio-visual materials with demonstrations and practice sessions will beat books every time. And you’ll find them fun and interesting. It’s wise to view examples of the courseware provided before you make your decision. Always insist on instructor-led video demonstrations and interactive audio-visual sections with practice modules.

It is generally unwise to select online only courseware. Because of the variable quality and reliability of all internet service providers, make sure you get actual CD or DVD ROM’s.

A lot of training academies are still using one of the most out-dated training concepts - classroom lessons. Often sold as a benefit, following a chat with most students who’ve had to attend a couple, don’t be surprised to be lectured on several if not all of these issues:

* Lots of round journeys - normally 100’s of miles or more.

* Monday to Friday access for classes is usual, and getting two to three days out of work can be difficult for many working people.

* Most of us end up feeling 4 weeks off each year is barely enough. Spend at least half of this for educational classes and see how much more difficult it makes things.

* ‘In-Centre’ workshop days fill up quickly and often end up larger than is ideal.

* Tension is sometimes created in many classes where most students want to move at a pace comfortable for them.

* Calculate the increasing cost of all the petrol, fares, accommodation, parking and food and you could be in for a major shock. Students talk of increased costs ranging from hundreds to over a thousand pounds. Work it out - and understand where they’re coming from.

* Most attendees want their training to remain private and therefore avoiding all repercussions in their job.

* It’s very common for students to hide the fact that they want to raise a question - purely due to the reason that they’re with their peers.

* For those of us who need to on occasion live away for part of the week, imagine the increased difficulty in getting to the needed workshops, as time is now more scarce than ever.

An altogether more elegant solution rests with watching a pre-made class - with instructor-led learning available at any time of day. Study can happen anywhere that suits. If your PC is a laptop, why not catch a little sunshine in your garden as you study. Any difficulties and get onto the live 24×7 support. Repeat any of the classes at any time you need to brush up - memory is aided by repetition. And note-taking becomes a thing of the past - everything’s laid on. Could it be more straightforward: Time and money is saved and travelling is avoided altogether; and of course you have a far more comfortable training atmosphere.

Being a part of the information technology industry is one of the more thrilling and changing industries that you could be a part of. To be working on the cutting-edge of technology puts you at the fore-front of developments that will affect us all over the next generation. Society largely thinks that the revolution in technology we’ve had over recent years is slowing down. All indicators point in the opposite direction. There are huge changes to come, and most especially the internet will be the most effective tool in our lives.

If making decent money is high on your wish list, you’ll be happy to know that the income on average of a typical IT worker is significantly greater than with most other jobs or industries. There is a great national need for trained and qualified IT technicians. It follows that as growth in the industry shows little sign of contracting, it seems this pattern will continue for the significant future.