Dot on i

There are four specialised areas of training in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, of which you need to pass two for competency in A+. Be aware though that only learning about 2 of the study sections is likely to leave your knowledge base somewhat light. Look for training that covers all the specialist areas – this will give you the edge in the working environment.

As well as learning about the ins and outs of building and maintaining computers, trainees on A+ courses will learn how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.

If your ambition is looking after computer networks, you’ll need to add Network+ to your A+ course. Taking this course as well will mean you can apply for more interesting jobs. You may also want to consider the Microsoft networking qualifications (MCP, MCSA and MCSE).

Speak with almost any skilled advisor and you’ll be surprised by their many worrying experiences of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Make sure you deal with a skilled professional who asks some in-depth questions to uncover the best thing for you – not for their bank-account! Dig until you find a starting-point that will suit you.

If you’ve got a strong background, or even a touch of commercial experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then obviously the point from which you begin your studies will be very different from a trainee who has no experience.

It’s wise to consider some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Starting there can make the learning curve a much easier going.

Let’s admit it: There really is pretty much no individual job security anymore; there can only be market or business security – a company will let anyone go when it fits the business’ trade needs.

Where there are rising skills shortages together with growing demand of course, we generally discover a fresh type of market-security; where, fuelled by the conditions of constant growth, organisations find it hard to locate the number of people required.

Reviewing the Information Technology (IT) sector, a recent e-Skills study brought to light a more than 26 percent shortfall of skilled workers. So, for every 4 jobs in existence around Information Technology (IT), organisations can only source enough qualified individuals for three of them.

This single idea in itself shows why the country needs considerably more people to join the IT sector.

Quite simply, seeking in-depth commercial IT training as you progress through the years to come is likely the finest choice of careers you could make.

Searching for your first position in IT can feel more straightforward with a Job Placement Assistance service. Because of the great shortage of skills in this country at the moment, there’s no need to become overly impressed with this service however. It isn’t so complicated as you might think to find a job once you’re trained and certified.

Whatever you do, avoid waiting until you have passed your final exams before getting your CV updated. As soon as your training commences, list what you’re working on and get it out there!

It’s possible that you won’t have even got to the exam time when you land your first junior support job; although this isn’t going to happen unless your CV is with employers.

If you’d like to get employment in your home town, then it’s quite likely that a local (but specialised) recruitment consultancy may serve you better than a centralised service, due to the fact that they’re going to have insider knowledge of local employment needs.

Not inconsiderable numbers of people, so it seems, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), and just give up when it comes to looking for a job. Promote yourself… Work hard to get yourself known. A job isn’t just going to bump into you.

Each programme of learning really needs to work up to a properly recognised qualification as an end-goal – definitely not some ‘in-house’ diploma – fit only for filing away and forgetting.

All the major commercial players like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco all have globally approved proficiency programs. These heavyweights will give some sparkle to your CV.

(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Go to CLICK HERE or APlusCertification4IT.co.uk.