Several of the most useful industry-recognised qualifications today are produced by the vendor neutral Computing Technology Industry Association ('CompTIA'). Some other institutions also supply worthwhile accreditations, for example 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional) and 'ISC2' ('International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'). Most conspicuously of course are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, both providing their own qualification paths. The choice might be somewhat mind-boggling, & therefore we urge you to tread cautiously and discuss your plans with an expert who understands the process well. Without having personally tailored advice you could potentially head-off in a wrong-direction and waste considerable time or money.

Without a doubt: There really is very little evidence of personal job security anywhere now; there's only market or business security - a company will let anyone go whenever it fits the business' commercial needs. But a marketplace with high growth, with huge staffing demands (because of a massive shortfall of properly qualified workers), creates the conditions for lasting job security.

Taking a look at the computing industry, the recent e-Skills survey showed a more than 26 percent shortage in trained professionals. Meaning that for each 4 job positions existing in computing, we've only got three properly trained pro's to fulfil that role. This alarming concept clearly demonstrates the urgent need for more commercially certified Information Technology professionals across the country. Unquestionably, this really is a critical time to train for IT.

Only consider learning paths that'll progress to industry accepted exams. There's an endless list of minor schools suggesting 'in-house' certificates which aren't worth the paper they're printed on when it comes to finding a job. From an employer's perspective, only the major heavyweights like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (for instance) give enough bang for your buck. Anything less just doesn't cut the mustard.

Several companies supply a practical Job Placement Assistance facility, to assist your search for your first position. Often, people are too impressed with this facility, for it is actually not that hard for any motivated and trained individual to get work in IT - as there is such a shortage of skilled employees.

You would ideally have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we'd encourage everybody to bring their CV up to date the day they start training - don't wait until you've qualified. Various junior support jobs have been offered to people who are still studying and haven't got any qualifications yet. At the very least this will get you on your way. If it's important to you to find work near your home, then you may well find that a specialist locally based employment agency could work much better for you than a national service, due to the fact that they're going to have insider knowledge of the local job scene.

A big grievance of some training companies is how hard trainees are prepared to work to get top marks in their exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the position they have qualified for. Get out there and hustle - you might find it's fun.

Most training providers will only provide basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); It's rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. Look for training where you can receive help at all hours of the day and night (irrespective of whether it's the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not a message system as this will slow you down - waiting for tutors to call you back at a convenient time for them.

The very best programs provide an online 24x7 system pulling in several support offices over many time-zones. You will have an easy to use interface which accesses the most appropriate office any time of the day or night: Support when you need it. Seek out an educator that offers this level of study support. As only round-the-clock 24x7 support gives you the confidence to make it.

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