In these days of super efficiency, support workers who can mend computers and networks, along with giving regular solutions to users, are vital in every part of industry. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technological advances, growing numbers of IT professionals are needed to run the smooth operation of functions we rely on.
Some commercial training providers only give office hours or extended office hours support; most won’t answer after 8-9pm at the latest and frequently never at the weekends.
some companies only provide email support (slow), and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor – who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it’s convenient to them. This is all next to useless if you’re lost and confused and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.
Be on the lookout for study programmes that have multiple support offices active in different time-zones. Each one should be integrated to provide a single interface and also round-the-clock access, when you need it, with no fuss.
Never make do with less than you need and deserve. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only way to go with computer-based training. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for most of us, we’re at work while the support is live.
Most trainers typically provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. Obviously, this isn’t much fun and not a very good way of achieving retention.
Studies have consistently shown that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.
The latest home-based training features self-contained CD or DVD materials. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you’ll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by utilising the practice lab’s and modules.
It’s very important to see the type of training provided by any company that you may want to train through. Be sure that they contain instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab’s.
Many companies provide training that is purely available online; and although this is okay the majority of the time, think what will happen if your access to the internet is broken or you get a slow connection speed. It is usually safer to have DVD or CD discs that don’t suffer from these broadband issues.
A capable and professional advisor (as opposed to a salesman) will ask questions and seek to comprehend your current level of ability and experience. There is no other way of understanding your study start-point.
With a bit of real-world experience or some accreditation, your starting-point of learning is not the same as someone new to the industry.
Where this will be your first attempt at IT study then it may be wise to cut your teeth on user-skills and software training first.
Watch out that all exams you’re studying for are recognised by industry and are bang up to date. The ‘in-house’ certifications provided by many companies are often meaningless.
The top IT companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco each have globally approved skills programs. These heavyweights will ensure your employability.
(C) Jason Kendall. Browse LearningLolly.com for great information. www.comptiacertification.co.uk or Comptia Network Certification.