Computer Networking Courses

Computer and network support staff are constantly in demand in the UK, as companies have come to depend on their technical advice and skills. Our requirement for larger numbers of qualified personnel is growing, as we become significantly more beholden to PC’s in these modern times.

A so-called advisor who doesn’t dig around with lots of question - the likelihood is they’re just a salesperson. If they wade straight in with a specific product before learning about your history and whether you have any commercial experience, then you know you’re being sold to. An important point to note is that, if you’ve had any relevant qualifications that are related, then you can sometimes expect to start at a different point than a student who’s starting from scratch. If you’re a student starting IT studies and exams as a new venture, it’s often a good idea to avoid jumping in at the deep-end, starting with a user-skills course first. Usually this is packaged with most types of training.

Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always proper direct-access 24×7 support through trained professional instructors and mentors. Too many companies will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend. Don’t buy training that only supports you through an out-sourced call-centre message system outside of normal office hours. Training schools will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. The simple fact of the matter is - support is required when it’s required - not as-and-when it’s suitable for their staff.

Top training providers provide an internet-based 24 hours-a-day system combining multiple support operations over many time-zones. You’ll have an environment that accesses the most appropriate office at any time of day or night: Support on demand. Always choose a trainer that goes the extra mile. As only true round-the-clock 24×7 support delivers what is required.

Ensure all your exams are what employers want - forget programmes which end up with a useless in-house certificate or plaque. The top IT companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco each have widely approved proficiency programmes. These big-hitters will make sure you’re employable.

A lot of students are under the impression that the tech college or university path is still the most effective. So why are commercial certificates becoming more in demand? The IT sector is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, proper accreditation from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. In a nutshell, only required knowledge is taught. Actually, it’s not quite as pared down as that, but principally the objective has to be to focus on the exact skills required (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without attempting to cover a bit about all sorts of other things (as universities often do).

As long as an employer is aware what work they need doing, then all it takes is an advert for the particular skill-set required. Syllabuses are set to exacting standards and do not vary between trainers (like academia frequently can and does).

Searching for your first position in IT can be a little easier if you’re offered a Job Placement Assistance service. However sometimes this feature is bigged up too much, for it’s really not that difficult for well qualified and focused men and women to get a job in IT - as employers are keen to find appropriately skilled employees.

CV and Interview advice and support may be available (if it isn’t, consult one of our sites). Ensure you polish up your CV straight away - not after you’ve qualified! Getting your CV considered is more than not being known. Often junior support roles are bagged by students who are still at an early stage in their studies. Actually, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy - who make their money when they’ve found you a job - is going to give you a better service than a centralised training company’s service. In addition, they will no doubt know the local industry and employment needs.

A common frustration of various training companies is how hard trainees are prepared to work to become certified, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the job they’ve qualified for. Get out there and hustle - you might find it’s fun.