Computer and network support technicians are constantly sought after in Great Britain, as organisations are becoming more reliant upon their knowledge and skills. Whereupon our society becomes growingly beholden to our PC\’s, we simultaneously inevitably become more reliant on the commercially qualified network engineers, who maintain those systems.
Some commercial training providers only give 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 chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor – who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it\’s convenient to them. This is all next to useless if you\’re lost and confused and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
Be on the lookout for study programmes that have multiple support offices active in different time-zones. Each one should be integrated to provide a single interface and also round-the-clock access, when you need it, with no fuss.
Never make do with less than you need and deserve. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only way to go with computer-based training. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for most of us, we\’re at work while the support is live.
It\’s likely that you\’ve always enjoyed practical work – the \’hands-on\’ individual. Usually, the world of book-reading and classrooms is something you\’ll make yourself do if you have to, but it\’s not ideal. Check out video-based multimedia instruction if learning from books is not your thing.
If we\’re able to utilise all of our senses into our learning, our results will often be quite spectacular.
The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you\’ll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by utilising the practice lab\’s and modules.
Every company that you look at must be able to demonstrate some simple examples of their training materials. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and many interactive sections.
Avoiding training that is delivered purely online is generally a good idea. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where offered, as you need to be able to use them whenever it\’s convenient for you – it\’s not wise to be held hostage to your internet connection always being \’up\’ and available.
A capable and professional advisor (as opposed to a salesman) will ask questions and seek to comprehend your current level of ability and experience. There is no other way of understanding your study start-point.
Often, the training start-point for a person with a little experience can be massively different to the student with none.
Consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Beginning there can make the learning curve a much more gentle.
Every program under consideration really needs to work up to a properly recognised qualification at the finale – definitely not some \’in-house\’ plaque for your wall.
From an employer\’s viewpoint, only the major heavyweights like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA (as an example) will open the right doors. Anything less won\’t make the grade.
(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for great career tips. www.comptiacertification.co.uk or CLICK HERE.
27 Dec
