If it weren't for a constant influx of well educated computer and network support personnel, industry in the United Kingdom (and around the world) would surely grind to a halt. There is an ever growing requirement for technically able people to support both the systems and the users themselves. The nation's requirement for larger numbers of skilled and qualified individuals multiplies, as we become ever more dependent on PC's in these modern times.
We're regularly asked to explain why traditional degrees are being overtaken by more qualifications from the commercial sector? With fees and living expenses for university students increasing year on year, plus the industry's increasing awareness that accreditation-based training most often has much more commercial relevance, we have seen a great increase in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA certified training courses that provide key skills to an employee at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. Obviously, an appropriate quantity of background detail must be covered, but essential specifics in the areas needed gives a vendor trained person a massive advantage.
What if you were an employer - and your company needed a person with some very particular skills. What's the simplest way to find the right person: Wade your way through a mass of different academic qualifications from graduate applicants, trying to establish what they know and which commercial skills they have, or select a specialised number of commercial certifications that precisely match your needs, and then select who you want to interview from that. Your interviews are then about personal suitability - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.
You should remember: the training itself or an accreditation is not the ultimate goal; the job or career that you want to end up in is. Too many training companies completely prioritise the actual accreditation. It's a testament to the marketing skills of the big companies, but thousands of new students kick-off study that often sounds marvellous in the prospectus, but which provides the end-result of a job that is of no interest at all. Talk to many university graduates for a real eye-opener.
You need to keep your eye on where you want to get to, and formulate your training based on that - don't do it the other way round. Stay focused on the end-goal - making sure you're training for a job that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. Talk to an experienced professional that understands the work you're contemplating, and who'll explain to you an in-depth explanation of what you actually do in that role. Getting to the bottom of all this long before commencement of any study program will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
If an advisor doesn't dig around with lots of question - chances are they're just a salesperson. If they push a particular product before looking at your personality and current experience level, then you know it's true. It's worth remembering, if you have some relevant qualifications that are related, then you can sometimes expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to someone new to the industry. For those students starting IT studies and exams from scratch, it can be helpful to avoid jumping in at the deep-end, by working on some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Usually this is packaged with most training programs.
Searching for your first position in IT is often made easier with a Job Placement Assistance facility. With the growing skills shortage in Britain today, it's not too important to become overly impressed with this service however. It isn't so complicated as you might think to get a job as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.
Update your CV at the beginning of your training though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don't wait until you've qualified. Quite frequently, you'll land your initial role whilst you're still studying (occasionally right at the beginning). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you don't stand a chance! Normally you'll get quicker service from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you'll experience from any training provider's national service, because they will understand the local industry and employment needs.
Various people, it seems, conscientiously work through their course materials (sometimes for years), only to do nothing special when trying to get a job. Market yourself... Do your best to let employers know about you. A job isn't just going to bump into you.