In the fast-paced world we live in, support workers who are qualified to mend PC’s and networks, and give ongoing assistance to users, are indispensable in every sector of the economy. As we become growingly reliant on advanced technology, we additionally become increasingly dependent on the technically knowledgeable IT professionals, who keep the systems going.
Locating job security these days is incredibly rare. Businesses often throw us from the workforce at the drop of a hat - whenever it suits.
Where there are growing skills shortages coupled with growing demand though, we can discover a new kind of market-security; where, fuelled by conditions of continuous growth, organisations struggle to find the number of people required.
The IT skills shortfall around the UK currently stands at approx twenty six percent, as reported by a recent e-Skills analysis. Essentially, we can only fill 3 out of every 4 jobs in IT.
Achieving the appropriate commercial computer certification is thus a fast-track to achieve a continuing and pleasing profession.
Actually, seeking in-depth commercial IT training during the coming years is probably the finest career direction you could choose.
Many men and women presume that the school and FE college path is the right way even now. Why then are commercial certificates slowly and steadily replacing it?
Industry now recognises that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, official accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is closer to the mark commercially - saving time and money.
In essence, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It isn’t quite as lean as that might sound, but the principle objective is to focus on the exact skills required (with some necessary background) - without overdoing the detail in every other area (as academia often does).
It’s a bit like the TV advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know what they’re looking for, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.
Far too many companies focus completely on the certification process, and forget why you’re doing this - which is a commercial career or job. Always start with where you want to get to - don’t make the vehicle more important than the destination.
Don’t let yourself become part of the group that choose a course that sounds really ‘interesting’ and ‘fun’ - only to end up with a qualification for something they’ll never enjoy.
Stay tuned-in to where you want to go, and then build your training requirements around that - avoid getting them back-to-front. Keep on track and ensure that you’re training for an end-result that’ll reward you for many long and fruitful years.
We advise all students to speak to an experienced advisor before they embark on a training program. This helps to ensure it has the required elements for the career path that has been chosen.
Don’t accept anything less than the current Microsoft (or any other key organisation’s) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.
Due to the fact that most examination boards in IT come from the United States, it’s essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It’s not sufficient merely answering any old technical questions - it’s essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format.
As you can imagine, it’s essential to know that you’re completely ready for the real exam prior to going for it. Going over simulated exams will help to boost your attitude and helps to avoid unsuccessful attempts at exams.