Due to the vast selection of computer training courses on the market now, it’s advisable to find a training provider that can help you decide on one you’ll be happy with. Professional organisations will talk thoroughly through the types of jobs that could be right for you, before suggesting a computer training course that will give you the knowledge you need.
There’s a wide range of courses to choose from. Some re-trainers get started on Microsoft user skills, some want training for careers in Networking, Programming, Databases or Web Design – and these are all possible. But don’t rush into it, don’t just guess. It’s much better to share your ideas with an advisor who has knowledge of the IT industry, and will guide you to where you want to go.
By using modern training methods and getting rid of wasteful procedures, there is a new type of training provider supplying a better brand of training and support for considerably less than the more out-dated colleges.
A lot of commercial training providers will only offer basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); not many go late into the evening (after 8-9pm) or cover weekends properly.
Many only provide email support (too slow), and phone support is often to a call-centre that will make some notes and then email an advisor – who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it suits them. This is not a lot of use if you’re stuck with a particular problem and can only study at specific times.
Top training providers offer an internet-based 24×7 facility involving many support centres over many time-zones. You will be provided with a single, easy-to-use environment which seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate irrespective of the time of day: Support available as-and-when you want it.
Unless you insist on direct-access round-the-clock support, you’ll regret it. You may not need it throughout the night, but you’re bound to use weekends, late evenings or early mornings.
The age-old way of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, is an up-hill struggle for the majority of us. If this sounds like you, look for learning programmes that are multimedia based.
We see a huge improvement in memory retention with an involvement of all our senses – experts have been clear on this for many years.
Learning is now available in disc format, where your computer becomes the centre of your learning. Using video-streaming, you can sit back and watch the teachers showing you precisely how something is done, followed by your chance to practice – in a virtual lab environment.
Always insist on a demonstration of the study materials from the school that you’re considering. You’ll want to see expert-led demonstrations, slideshows and virtual practice lab’s for your new skills.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where obtainable, enabling them to be used at your convenience – and not be totally reliant on your internet connection always being ‘up’ and available.
An important area that is sometimes not even considered by people weighing up a particular programme is the concept of ‘training segmentation’. Basically, this means the method used to break up the program to be delivered to you, which makes a huge difference to how you end up.
Normally, you will join a program requiring 1-3 years study and receive a module at a time. While this may sound logical on one level, consider this:
What would happen if you didn’t finish every module at the required speed? Often the prescribed exam order won’t fit you as well as some other structure would for you.
In an ideal situation, you’d get ALL the training materials right at the beginning – so you’ll have them all for the future to come back to – at any time you choose. You can also vary the order in which you move through the program if you find another route more intuitive.
An advisor that doesn’t ask you a lot of questions – it’s more than likely they’re really a salesperson. If someone pushes specific products before looking at your personality and experience, then you know you’re being sold to.
Where you have a strong background, or perhaps a bit of real-world experience (possibly even some previous certification?) then it’s more than likely your starting point will be different from someone with no background whatsoever.
If this is your first attempt at studying to take an IT exam then it may be wise to cut your teeth on a user-skills course first.
Copyright 2010 S. Edwards. Browse around Web Design Courses UK or http://www.adobecs3training.co.uk.
