Wednesday, December 31, 2008

IT Training Providers - How Can I Compare Them?

By Scott Edwards

If you're searching for IT training providers, you're probably considering who to train with. So let's make a few points about the stage you're at, and let's look at the options open to you:

* Your new training is to get a job.

* You'd like to develop a skill set that will enable you to do well, and not be stressed out due to gaps in your understanding.

* You want to be short-listed for interview so this qualification should be the best one for industry.

* You wish to find a provider that can offer you quality advice, effective training, support when you need it, and all at a reasonable price.

So where should you start? Assuming you're looking to maximise your employability factor, it's probably best to ignore Universities for this market sector. This may be questionable news for you to hear, but let me explain. Degrees tend to be too academic and not specific enough for today's IT jobs. You can prove this statement yourself, just look at any of the Jobsites and you'll see that the majority of employers are looking for commercial qualifications.

Where can I find training for commercial qualifications? Historically there are two routes:

One way is Boot Camps. These are mind bogglingly intensive 10 to 14 week training sessions that are purely designed to pass qualifications. If you're sharp, good at learning and prepared to commit every waking hour to study, they will get you through, but the failure rate is high.

However, employers tend to view Boot Camp students as lesser mortals! This is because in the past they've found students from this form of training haven't enough understanding of their subject to handle the cross section of challenges in the work place.

Most of your classmates on these types of courses are experienced IT professionals who use them to upgrade their skills, so they're already starting with a good understanding of the subject.

The second option has been the typical Distance Learning College, using study books, the odd CD, reference manuals and visits to a classroom at various times throughout the course. With commitment and grit, it is possible to succeed, but you'll be in the minority. Most of these providers couldn't make a profit if large numbers of their students didn't drop out on the way.

What To Look For In IT Training Providers...

Make sure you see their training materials, and decide for yourself whether you can learn from them. If you're given some excuse why you can't be shown them, think if it's wise to train with them?

At the times you plan to study you'll need access to tutors, not a message system for a call back later in office hours, so please find out exactly how their support works and make sure it will suit the way you plan to work.

Be carful of companies who include exam fees in the price up-front. These exams may be spread over the next two years, so why pay interest on the money? This is not in your interest. The only benefit is to the company, as you won't get it back if you don't take them all!

If these typical IT training providers don't sound right for you, there is now a refreshing alternative. Cutting-edge interactive learning has now come of age, and can deliver state-of-the-art training.

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