Computer Training – Networking Explained

If it weren’t for a steady stream of well educated PC and network support staff, commercial enterprise in the United Kingdom (and around the world) would surely be drawn to a standstill. We have an ever growing requirement for technically able people to support both users and the systems they work with. The nation’s requirement for increasing numbers of skilled and qualified individuals grows, as we become consistently more dependent upon computers in the modern world.

Every program under consideration has to build towards a properly recognised exam at the end – and not a worthless ‘in-house’ piece of paper. From a commercial standpoint, only top businesses like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe (to give some examples) will get you into the interview seat. Nothing else hits the mark.

A capable and practiced advisor (in contrast with a salesperson) will talk through your current situation. This is vital for establishing the point at which you need to start your studies. If you have a strong background, or perhaps a bit of work-based experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then it could be that your starting point will vary from someone who is just starting out. Commencing with a basic PC skills course first can be the best way to get up and running on your IT program, depending on your current skill level.

Have you recently questioned your job security? For most people, this only rears its head when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, the painful truth is that true job security simply doesn’t exist anymore, for all but the most lucky of us. Where there are rising skills deficits together with escalating demand though, we always reveal a newer brand of security in the marketplace; driven by the conditions of constant growth, businesses struggle to find the staff required.

Looking at the computing sector, a key e-Skills investigation brought to light an over 26 percent skills deficit. Meaning that for each 4 job positions available in IT, we have only 3 certified professionals to perform that task. Appropriately skilled and commercially accredited new staff are therefore at a resounding premium, and it looks like they will be for a long time. It would be hard to imagine if a better time or market state of affairs could exist for obtaining certification in this rapidly expanding and budding sector.

Far too many companies are all about the certification, and avoid focusing on what it’s all actually about – which is a commercial career or job. Always start with the final destination in mind – too many people focus on the journey. It’s not unheard of, for example, to find immense satisfaction in a year of study only to end up putting 20 long years into a tiresome job role, as a consequence of not performing the correct level of soul-searching at the outset.

You must also consider what your attitude is towards career progression and earning potential, and if you’re ambitious or not. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, which particular exams are needed and how you’ll gain real-world experience. Have a conversation with an experienced industry professional that has a commercial understanding of the realities faced in the industry, and who’ll explain to you an in-depth explanation of what tasks are going to make up a typical day for you. Getting all these things right well before beginning a training path will save you both time and money.

It’s essential to have the current Microsoft (or any other key organisation’s) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Steer clear of depending on non-official exam preparation systems. The terminology of their questions is often somewhat different – and this leads to huge confusion in the actual examination. Clearly, it’s very important to ensure that you’ve thoroughly prepared for your final certified exam prior to going for it. Rehearsing ‘mock’ tests logs the information in your brain and saves you time and money on failed exams.