Network and computer support workers are ever more in demand in the UK, as companies rely heavily upon their knowledge and ability to fix and repair. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technology, more and more IT professionals are being looked for to dedicate themselves to the many areas we’ve become dependent on.
Consider the following points and pay great regard to them if you believe that over-used sales technique about ‘guaranteeing’ exams sounds like a benefit to the student:
These days, we’re a little more ‘marketing-savvy’ – and usually we realise that of course it is actually an additional cost to us (it’s not a freebie because they like us so much!)
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.
A lot of so-called credible training companies secure huge profits by getting paid for exams at the start of the course and cashing in if they’re not all taken.
You should fully understand that re-takes through training course providers with an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are always heavily controlled. You’ll be required to sit pre-tests until you’ve demonstrated an excellent ability to pass.
With average prices for VUE and Pro-metric tests costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, the most cost-effective way to cover the cost is by paying when you need them. There’s no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. A commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.
Starting with the understanding that we have to find the area of most interest first and foremost, before we’re able to chew over which career training ticks the right boxes, how can we choose the right path?
How can we possibly grasp the many facets of a particular career when we’ve never done it? Maybe we have never met anyone who does that actual job anyway.
To come through this, there should be a discussion of a variety of unique issues:
* What hobbies you’re involved with in your spare-time – often these point towards what areas you’ll get the most enjoyment out of.
* Are you driven to get certified for a certain reason – for instance, are you pushing to work based from home (self-employment?)?
* The income needs you may have?
* Always think in-depth about the time expected to achieve their goals.
* Taking a cold, hard look into the effort, commitment and time you can give.
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.
A useful feature that several companies offer is a Job Placement Assistance program. This is to assist your search for your first position. Don’t get caught up in this feature – it’s quite easy for training companies to make it sound harder than it is. The fact of the matter is, the massive skills shortage in the UK is what will make you attractive to employers.
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 may not have got to the stage where you’ve qualified when you will be offered your first junior support job; however this isn’t going to happen if interviewers don’t get sight of your CV.
The top companies to get you a new position are generally local IT focused employment agencies. Because they make their money when they’ve found you a job, they’re perhaps more focused on results.
A slight aggravation of some course providers is how much people are focused on studying to get qualified, but how un-prepared that student is to get the job they’re acquired skills for. Don’t give up when the best is yet to come.
Make sure you don’t get caught-up, as many people do, on the training process. Training is not an end in itself; this is about employment. Focus on the end-goal.
Avoid becoming one of those unfortunate students that choose a course which looks like it could be fun – and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they’ll never really get any satisfaction from.
Take time to understand your leanings around career progression and earning potential, plus your level of ambition. It makes sense to understand what (if any) sacrifices you’ll need to make for a particular role, what accreditations are needed and how to develop your experience.
Always seek guidance and advice from a skilled advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s usually much cheaper and safer to discover early on whether a chosen track will suit, instead of discovering after two full years that you’re doing entirely the wrong thing and have to return to the start of another program.
(C) S. Edwards 2009. Look at Computer Repair Courses or Click HERE.
