It’s really great that you’ve made it this far! Just ten percent of people are happy and satisfied by their jobs, but a huge number complain to each other and take no action. Because you’ve done research we can guess that you’re giving retraining some thought, so you’ve already stood out from the crowd. The next step is to research and follow-through.

We’d strongly advise that prior to beginning any study program, you run through some things with a mentor who is familiar with the working environment and can advise you. Such a person will go through personality profiling with you and assist in finding the right role for you:

* Would you like lots of contact with people? If so, do you like working with the same people or are you hoping to meet new people? Or would you rather work alone with a task?

* What do you need from the area of industry you choose? (If it’s stability you’re after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)

* Once you’ve trained, how many years work do anticipate working, and can your chosen industry provide you with that possibility?

* Do you believe that your industry training course is commercially viable, and will provide the facility to keep you in work up to retirement age?

A predominant industry in the UK that fulfils the above criteria is the IT industry. There is a requirement for greater numbers of skilled technicians in this sector, simply have a look at a local job site and you will find them yourself. But don’t think it’s only geeky nerds looking at their computerscreens every day – there are many more roles than that. The majority of employees in IT are just like you and me, with jobs they enjoy and better than average salaries.

Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always 24×7 round-the-clock support with expert mentors and instructors. So many companies we come across will only offer a basic 9am till 6pm support period (maybe later on certain days) with very little availability over the weekend.

Beware of institutions who use call-centres ‘out-of-hours’ – with the call-back coming in during normal office hours. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and want support there and then.

The best trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. They use an online interactive interface to join them all seamlessly, any time of the day or night, help is just seconds away, without any contact issues or hassle.

Don’t under any circumstances take less than you need and deserve. Support round-the-clock is the only kind that ever makes the grade with technical study. It’s possible you don’t intend to study late evenings; often though, we’re out at work at the time when most support is available.

A lot of people think that the state educational path is the right way even now. Why then are commercially accredited qualifications beginning to overtake it?

The IT sector is of the opinion that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, official accreditation supplied for example by Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is far more effective and specialised – at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.

The training is effectively done by concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of related knowledge,) rather than going into the heightened depths of background ‘padding’ that degrees in computing often do – to fill a three or four year course.

As long as an employer understands what areas they need covered, then they just need to look for the exact skill-set required to meet that need. Syllabuses are all based on the same criteria and aren’t allowed to deviate (as academic syllabuses often do).

Always expect the current Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) authorised simulation materials and exam preparation packages.

Confirm that the mock exams aren’t just asking you the right questions on the right subjects, but additionally ask them in the exact format that the real exams will formulate them. It completely unsettles trainees if the phraseology and format is completely different.

Ensure that you test whether you’re learning enough by doing quizzes and practice exams before you take the real thing.

Frequently, your average IT hopeful doesn’t know how they should get into Information Technology, or even which area they should be considering getting trained in.

As having no solid background in the IT industry, how could any of us understand what someone in a particular job does?

Usually, the way to come at this question in the best manner lies in a thorough chat, covering several different topics:

* Personality factors plus what interests you – the sort of working tasks you enjoy or dislike.

* Are you aiming to achieve a specific aspiration – for instance, becoming self-employed as quickly as possible?

* What salary and timescale requirements you may have?

* Some students don’t fully understand the amount of work demanded to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* What effort, commitment and time you’re prepared to spend on obtaining your certification.

The best way to avoid all the jargon and confusion, and uncover the most viable option for your success, have a good talk with an advisor with years of experience; an individual that will cover the commercial realities and truth while explaining each certification.

(C) Jason Kendall. Go to LearningLolly.com for superb career advice on CompTIA Training and Computer Training.