UK CompTIA Network Plus Training – Update
By on January 15, 2010
Were it not for a steady stream of qualified PC and network support workers, business in the United Kingdom (and indeed in most countries) could well be brought to its knees. We have a constantly increasing requirement for technically able people to support both the systems and the users themselves. The world’s need for such skilled and qualified members of the workforce is growing at an impressive rate, as everywhere we work becomes progressively more dependent upon technology.
It’s not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees – they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, before you’ve even made a start on the course. However, prior to embracing a course with such a promise, why not look at the following:
Certainly it isn’t free – you are paying for it – it’s just been included in your package price.
Evidence shows that if students pay for their relevant examinations, one at a time, the chances are they’re going to get through on the first attempt – because they’re aware of what they’ve paid and so will prepare more thoroughly.
Go for the best offer you can find when you’re ready, and keep hold of your own money. You’ll then be able to select where you take your exam – meaning you can choose a local testing centre.
Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for examinations when there’s absolutely nothing that says you have to? A great deal of money is made because training colleges are getting paid upfront for exams – and then hoping that you won’t take them all.
It’s worth noting, with most ‘Exam Guarantees’ – they control when and how often you are allowed to do a re-take. You’ll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they’ll pay for another exam.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is short-sighted – when a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools is actually the key to your success.
Trainees looking to kick off an IT career often haven’t a clue what direction is best, or which market to get certified in.
Consequently, without any background in the IT market, how could you possibly know what a particular IT employee actually does day-to-day? And of course decide on which educational path is the most likely for your success.
To come through this, there should be a discussion of a variety of unique issues:
* Personalities play a starring part – what gives you a ‘kick’, and what are the activities that ruin your day.
* What time-frame are you looking at for retraining?
* The income needs you may have?
* With many, many areas to train for in computing – you’ll need to gain some background information on what sets them apart.
* It makes sense to understand what differentiates the myriad of training options.
When all is said and done, the most intelligent way of checking this all out is from a meeting with someone that has enough background to be able to guide you.
Getting into your first IT role sometimes feels easier to handle if you’re offered a Job Placement Assistance service. However sometimes too much is made of this feature, as it is genuinely quite straightforward for a well trained and motivated person to get a job in the IT industry – as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.
Having said that, it’s important to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we’d recommend any student to work on polishing up their CV as soon as they start a course – don’t wait until you’ve qualified.
You’ll often find that you will get your first role whilst you’re still studying (even in the early stages). If your course details aren’t on your CV (and it isn’t in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you won’t even be considered!
Generally, a specialist locally based employment agency – who make their money when they’ve found you a job – is going to give you a better service than a sector of a centralised training facility. In addition, they will no doubt be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.
In a nutshell, if you put the same amount of effort into getting your first IT position as into training, you’re not going to hit many challenges. A number of people strangely conscientiously work through their course materials and then call a halt once they’ve passed their exams and would appear to think that businesses will just discover them.
A ridiculously large number of organisations only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss the reasons for getting there – which is a commercial career or job. Always begin with the end in mind – too many people focus on the journey.
It’s a terrible situation, but the majority of trainees start out on programs that sound great from the prospectus, but which provides a job that is of no interest. Talk to many college graduates to see what we mean.
You need to keep your eye on what you want to achieve, and build your study action-plan from that – avoid getting them back-to-front. Stay focused on the end-goal – making sure you’re training for something that’ll reward you for many long and fruitful years.
Speak to a professional advisor who understands the work you’re contemplating, and who can give you a detailed description of what you’re going to be doing in that job. Getting all these things right well before you start on any study course makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Look at CLICK HERE or Distance Learning Course.
