Currently in the UK, most companies would be severely hampered were it not for support workers fixing networks and computers, while advising users on a constant basis. Our requirement for larger numbers of skilled and qualified individuals multiplies, as we turn out to be significantly more beholden to computers in the modern world.
When did you last consider how safe your job is? Normally, this only rears its head when we experience a knock-back. But in today’s marketplace, the reality is that our job security doesn’t really exist anymore, for most of us.
Security only exists now in a fast escalating market, pushed forward by a shortage of trained workers. It’s this alone that creates the correct environment for a higher level of market-security – a far better situation.
The IT skills shortfall around the UK currently stands at approx twenty six percent, as reported by a recent e-Skills analysis. Essentially, we can only fill 3 out of every 4 jobs in IT.
This one reality on its own underpins why the UK is in need of so many more people to get into the industry.
Undoubtedly, now, more than ever, really is a fabulous time to train for the IT industry.
Many people question why academic qualifications are being overtaken by more commercial qualifications?
With the costs of academic degree’s increasing year on year, together with the industry’s recognition that key company training is often far more commercially relevant, there’s been a big surge in CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA certified training paths that provide key skills to an employee at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time.
Vendor training works through concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of background knowledge,) as opposed to spending months and years on the background ‘extras’ that degree courses can get bogged down in – to fill a three or four year course.
It’s a bit like the TV advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know what they’re looking for, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.
Of course: a training course or the accreditation isn’t the end-goal; a job you’re training for is. Too many training companies put too much weight in the piece of paper.
It’s a sad testimony to the sales skills of many companies, but thousands of new students commence training that sounds marvellous from the marketing materials, but which provides the end-result of a job that is of no interest at all. Speak to a selection of university graduates and you’ll see where we’re coming from.
You’ll want to understand what industry will expect from you. What exams they’ll want you to gain and how you’ll build your experience level. Spend some time assessing how far you’d like to get as often it can present a very specific set of certifications.
Talk to a skilled professional that has a background in the industry you’re considering, and is able to give you a detailed description of what you actually do in that role. Contemplating this long before beginning a learning course will prevent a lot of wasted time and effort.
Validated exam preparation and simulation materials are essential – and really must be obtained from your training provider.
Students regularly can find themselves confused by practicing questions for their exams that aren’t recognised by official boards. Quite often, the question formats and phraseology can be completely unlike un-authorised versions and you should be prepared for this.
Mock exams are enormously valuable as a tool for logging knowledge into your brain – then when the time comes for you to take your actual exams, you won’t be worried.
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Pop to MCSE Training or Click HERE.
I found the info on this site beneficial.