by Jason Kendall
A fraction of the working population in the United Kingdom are claiming to be happy in their job. Inevitably, huge numbers will just stay there. The fact that you’re reading this at least suggests that you’re considering or may be ready for a change.
With regard to individual training courses, look for an advisor who will give you advice on the right type of training for you. An advisor who will take time to get an understanding of your personality, and find out what types of work suit you:
* Is it your preference to work in isolation or perhaps being around others is an essential criteria for you?
* Are you thinking carefully about which industry you maybe could work in? (In this economy, it’s vital to choose carefully.)
* Once your training has been completed, are you hoping your new skills will give you the ability to take you through to retirement?
* Do you think being qualified will make it easier to find new work easily, and stay employable until your retirement plans kick in?
The biggest industry in the United Kingdom that fulfils the above criteria is the IT sector. There’s a demand for more qualified people in the industry, simply have a look at a local jobsite and there’ll be a long list. Don’t let people tell you it’s full of techie geeks gazing towards theirscreens all day - there are loads more jobs than that. The majority of employees in the computer industry are just like the rest of us, with jobs they enjoy and better than average salaries.
The market provides a plethora of employment in IT. Arriving at the correct choice out of this complexity often proves challenging.
What are the chances of us grasping the many facets of a particular career when it’s an alien environment to us? Most likely we have never met anyone who does that actual job anyway.
Consideration of these different factors is important if you need to dig down the right answer for you:
* Our personalities play a starring role - what kind of areas spark your interest, and what are the areas that put a frown on your face.
* Are you driven to obtain training due to a particular raison d’etre - e.g. is it your goal to work based from home (maybe self-employment?)?
* What are your thoughts on job satisfaction vs salary?
* Always think in-depth about the energy required to achieve their goals.
* You need to understand what differentiates all the training areas.
For the majority of us, sifting through so much data requires a good chat with an experienced pro that can investigate each area with you. And we’re not only talking about the accreditations - you also need to understand the commercial requirements and expectations of the market as well.
Adding in the cost of examination fees upfront and offering an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is popular with a number of training colleges. However, let’s consider what’s really going on:
They’ve allowed costings for it by some means. You can be assured it’s not a freebie - they’ve simply charged more for the whole training package.
We all want to pass first time. Going for exams in order and funding them one at a time sees you much better placed to get through first time - you revise thoroughly and are aware of the costs involved.
Shouldn’t you be looking to find the best exam deal or offer when you take the exam, not to pay the fees marked up by a training college, and to do it locally - instead of the remote centre that’s convenient only to the trainer?
Why tie up your cash (or borrow more than you need) for examination fees when there was no need to? Big margins are secured by training companies getting money in early for exam fees - and banking on the fact that many won’t be taken.
The majority of organisations will insist that you take mock exams first and not allow you to re-take an exam until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.
With the average price of Pro-metric and VUE exams in the United Kingdom costing around 112 pounds, the most cost-effective way to cover the cost is by paying when you need them. There’s no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.
Full support is of the utmost importance - locate a good company that includes 24×7 access, as anything less will frustrate you and could impede your ability to learn.
Never accept certification programs which can only support trainees with a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Colleges will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. Essentially - support is required when it’s required - not as-and-when it’s suitable for their staff.
The very best programs offer an online round-the-clock service pulling in several support offices throughout multiple time-zones. You’re offered an interface which seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate at any time of day or night: Support when you need it.
Always choose a training school that offers this level of study support. Only true live 24×7 round-the-clock support gives you the confidence to make it.
Finding your first job in the industry can feel more straightforward with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. Because of the great skills shortage in Great Britain at the moment, it’s not too important to get too caught up in this feature though. It’s not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find the right work once you’re properly qualified.
One important thing though, don’t leave it until you’ve completed your exams before bringing your CV up to date. As soon as your training commences, enter details of your study programme and tell people about it!
Various junior support roles have been offered to students who are still studying and haven’t even passed a single exam yet. This will at the very least get you on your way.
Actually, a specialist independent regional recruitment consultant or service (who will get paid commission to place you) is going to give you a better service than a division of a training company. Also of course they should be familiar with the area and local employers better.
A slight aggravation of many training course providers is how hard people are focused on studying to become certified, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the position they’re qualified for. Don’t give up when the best is yet to come.