CompTIA Network Plus Retraining In The UK 2009

submitted: Apr 29th 2009 | by: JasonKendall | Total views: 32 | Word Count: 1060 | | |

These days, many workplaces would be severely hampered were it not for support workers solving problems with PC's and networks, while advising users on a constant basis. Because of the daunting complexities of technological advances, greater numbers of competent professionals are needed to run the various different areas we've become dependent on.

How are we supposed to go about making an informed decision then? With so many opportunities, we have to know where we should be looking - and of course, what to actually be searching for.

Far too many companies only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and forget the reasons for getting there - getting yourself a new job or career. Always begin with the end goal - too many people focus on the journey. Students often train for a single year but end up doing a job for a lifetime. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of finding what seems like an 'interesting' training program and then spend decades in an unrewarding career!

Stay focused on what you want to achieve, and formulate your training based on that - not the other way round. Stay on target and ensure that you're training for an end-result that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. It's worth seeking help from someone who can explain the market you think may suit you, and is able to give you 'A day in the life of' outline of what you actually do on the job. All of these things are essential because you obviously have to know if this change is right for you.

Proper support should never be taken lightly - find a program providing 24x7 full access, as anything else will annoy you and definitely hamper your progress. Email support is too slow, and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, at a time suitable for them. This is no good if you're stuck and can't continue and can only study at specific times.

It's possible to find the top providers who give students online direct access support all the time - including evenings, nights and weekends. Always pick a trainer that gives this level of learning support. Because only round-the-clock 24x7 support provides the necessary backup.

The classroom style of learning we remember from school, using textbooks and whiteboards, is an up-hill struggle for the majority of us. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, find training programs which feature interactive and multimedia modules. Research has consistently verified that an 'involved' approach to study, where we utilise all our senses, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.

Search for a course where you're provided with an array of CD and DVD based materials - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions. It makes sense to see some of the typical study materials provided before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be video tutorials, instructor demo's and a variety of audio-visual and interactive sections.

It's usually bad advice to choose training that is only available online. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across your average broadband company, ensure that you have access to disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).

Many training schools are still using one of the most out-dated training concepts - classroom lessons. Very often portrayed as a huge benefit, following a chat with most students who've had to attend a couple, you'll most likely hear about many or most of these problems:

* The amount of travel required - lots of visits and sometimes over 100 miles a pop.

* Asking for frequent time off work - a lot of schools provide weekday availability and link several days together. This isn't ideal for most people who work, especially if you include the travel time on top.

* Annual leave lost - many working people only have 20 days holiday. If over half of it is swallowed up by training classes, vacation time is going to be quite short for the student.

* Training events sometimes become quickly full, leaving us with the '2nd best' solution.

* You may prefer to move at a slower or quicker pace than the rest of the class. This can create a classic case of 'classroom tension'.

* A lot of trainees tell us of the considerable cost of all the travelling back and forth to the centre and paying for food and accommodation can get very expensive.

* Is it worth any chance of getting passed-over for potential advancement or pay-rises while you're training.

* Asking questions in front of other class-mates sometimes makes us feel uncomfortable. Have you ever left a question un-asked just because you didn't want to look foolish?

* For students working away from home occasionally, it's a fact of life that events are now very hard to attend - and yet, the money has already been paid.

It really does make more sense to take classes at your convenience - not your training provider's - and employ videos of instructors with interactive virtual-lab's. You can study anywhere you want. If you own a laptop, take in some fresh air in your garden as you study. Any issues that arise just logon to the 24x7 support facility. Note-taking is gone forever - you have the lessons and accompanying information ready-made for you. If you need to cover something again, it's all right there. The bottom line: Much less stress and hassle, saved money, and no wasted travelling time.

How can job security honestly exist anymore? In the UK for instance, with businesses changing their mind at alarming speeds, there doesn't seem much chance. It's possible though to locate security at market-level, by digging for areas in high demand, together with a shortage of skilled staff.

Reviewing the computing industry, the 2006 e-Skills survey highlighted a more than 26 percent shortage in trained professionals. Therefore, for every four jobs existing across computing, organisations are only able to locate properly accredited workers for three of them. Accomplishing proper commercial computing accreditation is consequently a fast-track to achieve a long-lasting as well as pleasing career. For sure, this really is such a perfect time to consider retraining into the IT industry.

About the Author

With 20 yrs experience, author Jason Kendall, campaigns for low-cost, quality interactive UK education. To find out more on Network+ Certification, visit LearningLolly Comptia Network+.

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