What might you expect the most superior Microsoft accredited suppliers to offer a client in this country currently? Patently, the ultimate in Microsoft authorised training routes, supplying a selection of courses to take you into different areas of the IT industry.
You might like to talk to industry experts, who might give you help to sort out whereabouts in industry would be right for you, and the kind of tasks that are suitable for a person with a personality like yours. Once you've decided on the career path you want, you'll need a relevant course personalised to be right for your current level of knowledge and ability. The standard of teaching should more than match your expectations.
It's likely that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' individual. Typically, the world of book-reading and classrooms would be considered as a last resort, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if books just don't do it for you. If we're able to involve all our senses in the learning process, then the results are usually dramatically better.
Start a study-program in which you're provided with an array of CD or DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, followed by the chance to hone your abilities through virtual lab's. Every company that you look at should be able to show you samples of their courseware. You're looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and many interactive sections.
Many companies provide training that is purely available online; and while this is acceptable much of the time, consider what happens if your access to the internet is broken or you get intermittent problems and speed issues. A safer solution is the provision of actual CD or DVD ROMs which will solve that problem.
'Exam Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, before you've even made a start on the course. However, prior to embracing a course with such a promise, why not look at the following:
You're paying for it by some means. You can be assured it's not a freebie - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. Passing first time is everyone's goal. Entering examinations when it's appropriate and paying as you go sees you much better placed to get through first time - you revise thoroughly and are mindful of the investment you've made.
Doesn't it make more sense to find the best exam deal or offer at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium to the training course provider, and to do it locally - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Why borrow the money or pay in advance (plus interest of course) on examinations when you don't need to? Huge profits are made by companies getting money in early for exam fees - and then hoping that you won't take them all. The majority of organisations will insist on pre-tests and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is short-sighted - when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is actually the key to your success.
Many trainers only provide office hours or extended office hours support; It's rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. Never purchase certification programs which can only support students through an out-sourced call-centre message system outside of normal office hours. Training schools will always try to hide the importance of this issue. But, no matter how they put it - you want to be supported when you need the help - not at their convenience.
Be on the lookout for providers that use several support centres around the globe in several time-zones. All of them should be combined to enable simple one-stop access and also 24x7 access, when you want it, with no hassle. Never compromise where support is concerned. The majority of IT hopefuls that fall by the wayside, would have had a different experience if they'd got the right support package in the first place.