subject: Home Based It Training Described [print this page] Well Done! As you're reading this article we guess you must be considering getting re-qualified for a new job - so you've already done more than most. Very few of us are happy and fulfilled in our work, but it's rare anyone does more than moan. So, why not be one of the few who decide to make the change.
We'd politely request that in advance of taking a course of training, you run through some things with a mentor who knows the industry and can make recommendations. Such a person will go through personality profiling with you and assist in finding the right role for you:
* Is it your preference to work in isolation or perhaps being around others is more important to you?
* What ideas are important to you with regard to the industry you're looking to get into?
* Should this be the only time you'll have to retrain?
* Are you concerned about your possibilities of getting another job, and being gainfully employed until you plan to retire?
It would be an idea for you to really explore Information Technology - there are greater numbers of positions than workers to do them, and it's a rare career choice where the market sector is still growing. Contrary to the opinions of certain people, IT isn't all techie people gazing at their computer screens the whole day (some jobs are like that of course.) Most positions are taken by ordinary people who want to earn a very good living.
Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always comprehensive 24x7 direct-access support with trained professional instructors and mentors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Avoid those companies that use 'out-of-hours' messaging systems - where an advisor will call back during typical office hours. This is no use if you're stuck and need help now.
We recommend looking for training schools that utilise many support facilities around the globe in several time-zones. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to offer a simple interface together with access round-the-clock, when you need it, with the minimum of hassle. Always pick a training provider that goes the extra mile. As only live 24x7 support truly delivers for technical programs.
You have to be sure that all your certifications are current and what employers are looking for - don't even consider programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself). If your certification doesn't come from a company like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then it's likely it could have been a waste of time and effort - as no-one will have heard of it.
Potential Students looking to begin an IT career normally don't know which route is best, or which area to get qualified in. Since in the absence of any previous experience in IT, how could any of us be expected to understand what any job actually involves? The key to answering this predicament in the best manner flows from a thorough talk over a number of areas:
* The sort of person you think yourself to be - the tasks that you enjoy, plus of course - what you hate to do.
* Why it seems right starting in IT - maybe you want to overcome some personal goal such as self-employment for example.
* Your earning requirements that are important to you?
* There are many different sectors to gain certifications for in computing - you'll need to get a basic understanding of what makes them different.
* Taking a serious look at how much time and effort that you can put aside.
The best way to avoid the industry jargon, and find what'll really work for you, have an informal chat with an advisor with years of experience; an individual that will cover the commercial realities and truth while explaining all the qualifications.
One crafty way that training companies make a lot more is via an 'exam inclusive' package then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status. This sounds impressive, but is it really:
It's very clear we're still being charged for it - it's obviously been inserted into the full cost of the package supplied by the training company. It's absolutely not free (it's just marketing companies think we'll fall for anything they say!) Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Entering examinations one at a time and funding them as you go has a marked effect on pass-rates - you revise thoroughly and are aware of the costs involved.
Isn't it outrageous to have to pay a training college early for examinations? Find the best exam deal or offer at the appropriate time, rather than pay marked up fees - and take it closer to home - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call. Paying upfront for exams (and if you're financing your study there'll be interest on that) is bad financial management. Don't line companies bank accounts with your hard-earned cash simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you don't even take them all - then they'll keep the extra money. 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 you to re-take until you're able to demonstrate an excellent mock pass rate.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on 'Exam Guarantees' is naive - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will really see you through.
