If it weren't for a continuous flood of knowledgeable network and computer support personnel, industry in the UK (as elsewhere) could well be brought to its knees. There is a huge demand for people to support systems and users alike. The world's hunger for those people is growing at an impressive rate, as everywhere we work becomes more and more reliant on computers.

Many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and completely avoid why you're doing this - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the final destination in mind - too many people focus on the journey. You could be training for only a year and end up doing a job for a lifetime. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of opting for what may seem to be a very 'interesting' program only to waste your life away with an unrewarding career!

You need to keep your eye on what you want to achieve, and then build your training requirements around that - don't do it back-to-front. Stay on target and ensure that you're training for a career that will keep you happy for many years. Seek help from an experienced industry advisor who appreciates the market you're interested in, and will be able to provide 'A day in the life of' synopsis of what duties you'll be performing during your working week. It'd be sensible to know if this change is right for you long before you commence your studies. There's really no reason in beginning your training only to discover you're on the wrong course.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, utilising reference manuals and books, is often a huge slog for most of us. If you're nodding as you read this, look for learning programmes that are multimedia based. Where we can involve all our senses in the learning process, then we often see hugely increased memory retention as a result.

Interactive full motion video utilising video demo's and practice lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And you'll actually enjoy doing them. You really need to look at examples of the study materials provided by any company that you may want to train through. Be sure that they contain instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's.

Opt for disc based courseware (On CD or DVD) where possible. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with the variability of broadband quality and service.

Some training providers supply a practical Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Don't get overly impressed with this service - it's quite easy for training companies to overplay it. Ultimately, the need for well trained IT people in the UK is the reason you'll find a job.

Ideally you should have help with your CV and interview techniques though; additionally, we would recommend everyone to bring their CV up to date as soon as training commences - don't put it off till you've finished your exams. It's possible that you won't have even qualified when you will be offered your first junior support job; but this can't and won't happen unless your CV is with employers. Actually, a specialist independent regional recruitment consultant or service (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) should get better results than any division of a training company. In addition, they will no doubt be familiar with the area and local employers better.

Various trainees, it would appear, put a great deal of effort into their studies (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of trying to get a good job. Sell yourself... Make an effort to get in front of employers. Good jobs don't just knock on your door.

CBT Home-Based Courses For MCSA Networking Technical Support >>