Were it not for a steady stream of trained network and computer support workers, industry in the UK (as elsewhere) would be likely to be brought to its knees. We have an on-going requirement for men and women with technical ability to support systems and users alike. With the increasingly daunting complexities of technological advances, growing numbers of IT professionals are being sought to run the many areas we rely on.

Those that are drawn to this type of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and won't enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If you're thinking this sounds like you, try the newer style of interactive study, where everything is presented via full motion video. Many studies have proved that much more of what we learn in remembered when all our senses are involved, and we get physically involved with the study process.

The latest home-based training features easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM's. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you'll absorb the modules, one by one, through the expert demonstrations. Then you test your knowledge by utilising the practice lab's and modules. Every company that you look at must be able to demonstrate some samples of their courseware. You're looking for evidence of tutorial videos and demonstrations and a variety of interactive modules.

Choose physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's every time. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with the variability of broadband quality and service.

Students often end up having issues because of a single training area which is often not even considered: How the training is broken down and couriered to your address. Often, you will join a program that takes between and 1 and 3 years and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. This may seem sensible until you think about these factors: What if you don't finish all the sections or exams? And what if you find the order of the modules counter-intuitive? Due to no fault of yours, you might take a little longer and not get all the study materials as a result.

Put simply, the very best answer is to get an idea of what they recommend as an ideal study order, but make sure you have all of your learning modules right from the beginning. Meaning you've got it all if you don't manage to finish inside of their required time-scales.

The somewhat scary thought of getting your first IT job can be eased by training colleges, through a Job Placement Assistance facility. With the growing demand for appropriately skilled people in the UK right now, there's no need to make too much of this option though. It really won't be that difficult to find employment as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.

Help with your CV and interview techniques might be provided (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). It's essential that you update that dusty old CV immediately - not when you're ready to start work! Quite often, you will be offered your first job whilst you're still studying (even in the early stages). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you're not even going to be known about! The best services to help you find a job are generally local IT focused employment agencies. As they're keen to place you to receive their commission, they have more incentive to get on with it.

Many students, it seems, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when looking for their first job. Introduce yourself... Do everything you can to get in front of employers. Good jobs don't just knock on your door.

Review the facts below carefully if you think the marketing blurb about a guarantee for your exam looks like a reason to buy:

You'll pay for it ultimately. It certainly isn't free - it's just been rolled into the price of the whole package. Should you seriously need to qualify first 'go', then you should pay for one exam at a time, give it the necessary attention and give the task sufficient application.

Don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you at the time, and avoid college mark-up fees. In addition, it's then your choice where to take your exam - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. A surprising number of questionable training providers make a great deal of profit by getting paid for examinations upfront then hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Many training companies will insist that you take mock exams first and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've proven conclusively that you can pass - so an 'Exam Guarantee' comes with many clauses in reality.

With average Prometric and VUE tests costing in the region of 112 pounds in this country, it's common sense to fund them one by one. There's no sense in throwing away maybe a thousand pounds extra at the start of your studies. A commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

CompTIA User Support Interactive Home-Study CBT PC Certification Training >>