Courses in Computer Support
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patrick
These days, many workplaces couldn't function properly without the help of support workers fixing both computers and networks, while advising users on a day to day basis. The desire for such skilled and qualified members of the workforce is constantly growing, as everywhere we work becomes more and more technologically advanced.
Making the most fitting career option is very difficult - so which sectors are important to investigate and what questions do we need to ask?
A ridiculously large number of organisations only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss the reasons for getting there - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the end goal - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. It's a sad testimony to the sales skills of many companies, but the majority of trainees begin programs that seem spectacular in the marketing materials, but which deliver a career which doesn't satisfy. Try talking to typical college students for a real eye-opener. It's a good idea to understand the expectations of your industry. Which particular accreditations you'll be required to have and how you'll go about getting some commercial experience. It's definitely worth spending time thinking about how far you think you'll want to progress your career as it will often present a very specific set of exams. Always seek guidance and advice from a skilled advisor, even if you have to pay - it's much safer and cheaper to find out at the start whether your choices are appropriate, instead of discovering following two years of study that you aren't going to enjoy the job you've chosen and have to return to the start of another program.
Be careful that the exams you're studying for are recognised by industry and are up-to-date. 'In-house' certificates are not normally useful in gaining employment. From an employer's viewpoint, only the big-boys such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco (for example) provide enough commercial weight. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard.
Usually, trainers will provide a big box of books. It's not a very interesting way to learn and not a very good way of taking things in. Our ability to remember is increased when multiple senses are involved - this has been an accepted fact in expert circles for as long as we can remember. Programs are now found via DVD-ROM discs, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Video streaming means you are able to see your instructors showing you how to perform the required skill, with some practice time to follow - via the interactive virtual lab's. It's imperative to see the type of training provided by the company you're considering. You'll want to see that they include instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's. Avoid training that is purely online. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where offered, so you can use them wherever and whenever you want - and not be totally reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.
If you forget everything else - then just remember this: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock instructor and mentor support. You'll definitely experience problems if you let this one slide. Look for training with proper support available at all hours of the day and night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) Make sure it's always direct access to tutors and not a message system as this will slow you down - waiting for tutors to call you back at a convenient time for them. The very best training providers have many support offices from around the world. They use an online interactive interface to provide a seamless experience; any time of the day or night - help is just a click away with no hassle or contact issues. If you accept anything less than 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. It may be that you don't use it during late nights, but you're bound to use weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point?
Adding in the cost of exams upfront then including an exam guarantee is a common method with a number of training colleges. But look at the facts: Clearly it isn't free - you're still footing the bill for it - it's just been included in your package price. People who take each progressive exam, funding them one at a time are much better placed to get through first time. They are mindful of what they've paid and prepare more appropriately to be ready for the task. Doesn't it make more sense to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium to a training company, and also to sit exams more locally - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Paying in advance for examinations (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is madness. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with additional funds simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you won't get to do them all - but they won't refund the cash. Also, exam guarantees often have very little value. The majority of organisations won't pay again for an exam until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time. On average, exams cost around the 112 pounds mark last year through local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. So don't be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more for 'Exam Guarantees', when common sense dictates that the responsible approach is study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams.
We're regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being overtaken by more commercially accredited qualifications? As we require increasingly more effective technological know-how, industry has moved to the specialised core-skills learning only available through the vendors themselves - for example companies like CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. This frequently provides reductions in both cost and time. Of course, a reasonable amount of relevant additional information must be learned, but essential specialised knowledge in the areas needed gives a commercially educated student a distinct advantage. It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. The company just needs to know what they need doing and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
Massive developments are coming via technology over the next few decades - and the industry becomes more ground-breaking every year. It's a common misapprehension that the increase in technology we've been going through is cooling down. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are huge changes to come, and the internet in particular will become an increasingly dominant part of our lives. Should lifestyle be around the top on your goal sheet, then you'll welcome the news that the regular income of a typical IT worker is much higher than salaries in other market sectors. Experts agree that there's a great UK-wide search for certified IT specialists. In addition as the industry constantly develops, it is likely this pattern will continue for a good while yet.
Making the most fitting career option is very difficult - so which sectors are important to investigate and what questions do we need to ask?
A ridiculously large number of organisations only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss the reasons for getting there - getting yourself a new job or career. Your focus should start with the end goal - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. It's a sad testimony to the sales skills of many companies, but the majority of trainees begin programs that seem spectacular in the marketing materials, but which deliver a career which doesn't satisfy. Try talking to typical college students for a real eye-opener. It's a good idea to understand the expectations of your industry. Which particular accreditations you'll be required to have and how you'll go about getting some commercial experience. It's definitely worth spending time thinking about how far you think you'll want to progress your career as it will often present a very specific set of exams. Always seek guidance and advice from a skilled advisor, even if you have to pay - it's much safer and cheaper to find out at the start whether your choices are appropriate, instead of discovering following two years of study that you aren't going to enjoy the job you've chosen and have to return to the start of another program.
Be careful that the exams you're studying for are recognised by industry and are up-to-date. 'In-house' certificates are not normally useful in gaining employment. From an employer's viewpoint, only the big-boys such as Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco (for example) provide enough commercial weight. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard.
Usually, trainers will provide a big box of books. It's not a very interesting way to learn and not a very good way of taking things in. Our ability to remember is increased when multiple senses are involved - this has been an accepted fact in expert circles for as long as we can remember. Programs are now found via DVD-ROM discs, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Video streaming means you are able to see your instructors showing you how to perform the required skill, with some practice time to follow - via the interactive virtual lab's. It's imperative to see the type of training provided by the company you're considering. You'll want to see that they include instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's. Avoid training that is purely online. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where offered, so you can use them wherever and whenever you want - and not be totally reliant on a quality and continuous internet connection.
If you forget everything else - then just remember this: It's essential to obtain proper 24x7 round-the-clock instructor and mentor support. You'll definitely experience problems if you let this one slide. Look for training with proper support available at all hours of the day and night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) Make sure it's always direct access to tutors and not a message system as this will slow you down - waiting for tutors to call you back at a convenient time for them. The very best training providers have many support offices from around the world. They use an online interactive interface to provide a seamless experience; any time of the day or night - help is just a click away with no hassle or contact issues. If you accept anything less than 24x7 support, you'll regret it very quickly. It may be that you don't use it during late nights, but you're bound to use weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point?
Adding in the cost of exams upfront then including an exam guarantee is a common method with a number of training colleges. But look at the facts: Clearly it isn't free - you're still footing the bill for it - it's just been included in your package price. People who take each progressive exam, funding them one at a time are much better placed to get through first time. They are mindful of what they've paid and prepare more appropriately to be ready for the task. Doesn't it make more sense to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, instead of paying a premium to a training company, and also to sit exams more locally - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Paying in advance for examinations (which also includes interest if you've taken out a loan) is madness. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with additional funds simply to help their cash-flow! There are those who hope that you won't get to do them all - but they won't refund the cash. Also, exam guarantees often have very little value. The majority of organisations won't pay again for an exam until you've completely satisfied them that you're ready this time. On average, exams cost around the 112 pounds mark last year through local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. So don't be talked into shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds more for 'Exam Guarantees', when common sense dictates that the responsible approach is study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams.
We're regularly asked to explain why academic qualifications are being overtaken by more commercially accredited qualifications? As we require increasingly more effective technological know-how, industry has moved to the specialised core-skills learning only available through the vendors themselves - for example companies like CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. This frequently provides reductions in both cost and time. Of course, a reasonable amount of relevant additional information must be learned, but essential specialised knowledge in the areas needed gives a commercially educated student a distinct advantage. It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. The company just needs to know what they need doing and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
Massive developments are coming via technology over the next few decades - and the industry becomes more ground-breaking every year. It's a common misapprehension that the increase in technology we've been going through is cooling down. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are huge changes to come, and the internet in particular will become an increasingly dominant part of our lives. Should lifestyle be around the top on your goal sheet, then you'll welcome the news that the regular income of a typical IT worker is much higher than salaries in other market sectors. Experts agree that there's a great UK-wide search for certified IT specialists. In addition as the industry constantly develops, it is likely this pattern will continue for a good while yet.
About the Author:
Scott Edwards has worked in the Computer industry for 30 yrs. He should understand what he's talking about by now. If you're interested in Computer Courses, visit LearningLolly Computer Training.
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