If it weren’t for a regular deluge of trained PC and network support staff, commerce in the United Kingdom (as elsewhere) would inevitably run into problems. There is a huge demand for men and women with technical ability to support both the users themselves and their networks. Our hunger for such skilled and qualified individuals is ever increasing, as commercial enterprise becomes significantly more dependent upon technology.
There is a tidal wave of change washing over technology over the next few decades – and it only gets more exciting every day.
There are people who believe that the technological advancement we have experienced is lowering its pace. This couldn’t be more wrong. We have yet to experience incredible advances, and the internet significantly is going to dominate how we conduct our lives.
The usual IT man or woman in the UK will also earn much more money than fellow workers outside of IT. Mean average incomes are amongst the highest in the country.
The search for professionally qualified and skilled IT workers is guaranteed for many years to come, due to the ongoing growth in the technology industry and the massive deficiency that we still have.
Often, students don’t think to check on a vitally important element – the way their training provider actually breaks down and delivers the courseware elements, and into how many separate packages.
Many companies enrol you into a 2 or 3 year study programme, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you finish each section. Sounds reasonable? Well consider these facts:
How would they react if you didn’t complete everything within the time limits imposed? And maybe you’ll find their order of completion won’t fit you as well as an alternative path could be.
To be honest, the perfect answer is to have a copy of their prescribed order of study, but to receive all the materials up-front. Everything is then in your possession should you not complete it at their required pace.
Be on the lookout that any qualifications you’re studying for are recognised by industry and are up-to-date. Training companies own certificates are often meaningless.
All the major commercial players like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe each have globally renowned skills programmes. Major-league companies like these will make your CV stand-out.
Proper support should never be taken lightly – ensure you track down something offering 24×7 direct access to instructors, as anything less will not satisfy and will also put a damper on the speed you move through things.
You’ll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team – who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, at a time suitable for them. This is all next to useless if you’re lost and confused and only have a specific time you can study.
Keep your eyes open for colleges that have multiple support offices around the globe in several time-zones. Each one should be integrated to provide a single interface and 24 hours-a-day access, when it’s convenient for you, without any problems.
You can’t afford to accept less than this. Online 24×7 support is the only kind that ever makes the grade for IT study. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; usually though, we’re out at work when traditional support if offered.
Written by Scott Edwards. Browse around comptia-a-training.co.uk or CLICK HERE.
