What might you expect the best training organisations accredited by Microsoft to provide a trainee in Britain in this day and age? Clearly, the ultimate in Microsoft authorised training routes, presenting a selection of courses to take you into different areas of the IT industry. You might like to talk through what you're looking to do with an advisor - and if you're uncertain, then get some ideas on which area of the industry would be best, based on your personality and ability level. Training courses should be designed to make the most of your skills and abilities. So, having got to grips with the right IT job for you, your next requirement is the most applicable training course to get you there.
Traditional teaching in classrooms, utilising reference manuals and books, is usually pretty hard going. If all this is ringing some familiar bells, find training programs that are on-screen and interactive. Research over recent years has always confirmed that connecting physically with our study, will more likely produce memories that are deeper and longer-lasting.
The latest audio-visual interactive programs involving demonstration and virtual lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And you'll actually enjoy doing them. Be sure to get a study material demo' from the school that you're considering. You'll want to see instructor videos, demonstrations, slide-shows and fully interactive skills-lab's.
Purely on-line training should be avoided. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where obtainable, so that you have access at all times - ISP quality varies, so you don't want to be totally reliant on your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.
Most training providers only provide office hours or extended office hours support; most won't answer after 8-9pm at the latest and frequently never at the weekends. some companies only provide email support (slow), and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you're there), at a suitable time to them. This isn't a lot of good if you're stuck and can't continue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
Keep looking and you'll come across the top providers who offer online direct access support around the clock - even in the middle of the night. Never make do with less than you need and deserve. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only way to go with computer-based courses. It's possible you don't intend to study late evenings; but for the majority of us however, we're at work while the support is live.
One feature that several companies offer is a Job Placement Assistance program. It's intention is to steer you into your first IT role. Because of the growing shortage of skills in Britain right now, it's not necessary to make too much of this option though. It isn't such a complex operation to get a job once you're well trained and qualified.
Whatever you do, avoid waiting until you have finished your training before polishing up your CV. Right at the beginning of your training, enter details of your study programme and tell people about it! Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is more than not being regarded at all. A surprising amount of junior support roles are given to people in the early stages of their course. In many cases, an independent and specialised local employment service - who make their money when they've found you a job - is going to give you a better service than a division of a training company. In addition, they will no doubt be familiar with the local industry and employment needs.
Many men and women, it seems, conscientiously work through their course materials (sometimes for years), only to do nothing special when attempting to secure a good job. Market yourself... Do your best to get in front of employers. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.
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