The CompTIA A+ training program covers four areas of training; you’re qualified as competent at A+ when you’ve passed the test for just two specialist areas. This is the reason that most training providers only have two of the courses on their syllabus. In fact you will need the information on each subject as a lot of employment will require an understanding of the entire course. Don’t feel pressured to pass exams in all of them, although it would seem prudent that you learn about all four.
Alongside being taught about building and fixing computers, trainees on an A+ training course will have instruction on how to work in antistatic conditions, how to fault find, to diagnose and to remotely access problems.
If you would like to be someone who works for a larger company – supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA – MCSE) in order to have a better comprehension of how networks work.
A number of trainees presume that the school and FE college system is the way they should go. So why then are commercially accredited qualifications slowly and steadily replacing it?
Key company training (to use industry-speak) is far more effective and specialised. The IT sector has realised that this level of specialised understanding is essential to cope with a technically advancing commercial environment. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA are the big boys in this field.
They do this through focusing on the actual skills required (along with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that degree courses often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).
Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Employers simply need to know what they’re looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they’re interviewing applicants who can do the job.
Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You’re involved with impacting progress around the world.
We’ve barely started to get a feel for how technology will define our world. Computers and the Internet will significantly transform how we regard and interact with the world around us over the coming decades.
Let’s not ignore salaries either – the usual income across the UK for an average person working in IT is considerably better than in other market sectors. Chances are you’ll bring in a much greater package than you’d typically expect to bring in elsewhere.
It seems there is a lot more room for IT increases in Great Britain as a whole. The industry is continuing to expand enormously, and as we have a skills gap that means we only typically have three IT workers for every four jobs it’s most unlikely that things will be any different for the significant future.
Of course: the training course or an accreditation isn’t what this is about; the particular job you’re training for is. Too many training companies over-emphasise the certificate itself.
Imagine training for just one year and then end up doing the job for 20 years. Ensure you avoid the fatal error of taking what may be an ‘interesting’ training program only to spend 20 years doing a job you don’t like!
Prioritise understanding the exact expectations industry will have. What precise exams you’ll be required to have and how to gain experience. Spend some time setting guidelines as to how far you reckon you’re going to want to progress your career as often it can force you to choose a particular set of exams.
Look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s much safer and cheaper to discover early on if something is going to suit and interest you, instead of finding out after two full years that you aren’t going to enjoy the job you’ve chosen and have wasted years of effort.
Have a conversation with a skilled consultant and we’d be amazed if they couldn’t provide you with many awful tales of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Only deal with an experienced industry professional who digs deep to uncover the best thing for you – not for their paycheque! It’s very important to locate the very best place to start for you.
Of course, if you’ve had any relevant work-experience or certification, then it’s not unreasonable to expect to pick-up at a different starting-point to a trainee with no history to speak of.
Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can often make your learning curve a a little easier.
(C) Jason Kendall. Hop over to LearningLolly.com for smart career tips. www.learninglolly.com or CLICK HERE.
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