Training for your CompTIA A+ covers 4 different sectors - you'll have to qualify in just two sectors to reach the level of competent in A+. Because of this, many training establishments only offer two of the four in the syllabus. To us, this will under prepare you - of course you can gain accreditation, but knowledge of every section will set you apart in your working life, where you'll need a more comprehensive understanding. So that's why you need education in everything.
As well as learning about the ins and outs of building and maintaining computers, trainees on A+ courses will learn how to operate in antistatic conditions, along with remote access, fault finding and diagnostics.
If you feel it appropriate to add Network+ training to your A+, you will additionally be able to take care of networks, allowing you to expect a better remuneration package.
A skilled and professional advisor (vs a salesman) will cover in some detail your current experience level and abilities. This is paramount to calculating your starting point for training.
If you've got a strong background, or even a touch of commercial experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then obviously the point from which you begin your studies will be very different from a trainee who has no experience.
It's wise to consider some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Starting there can make the learning curve a much easier going.
Can job security honestly exist anywhere now? In the UK for instance, where business constantly changes its mind at alarming speeds, there doesn't seem much chance.
We could however find security at market-level, by digging for areas that have high demand, tied with a lack of qualified workers.
Reviewing the Information Technology (IT) sector, a recent e-Skills study brought to light a more than 26 percent shortfall of skilled workers. So, for every 4 jobs in existence around Information Technology (IT), organisations can only source enough qualified individuals for three of them.
This single idea in itself shows why the country needs considerably more people to join the IT sector.
We can't imagine if a better time or market circumstances will exist for acquiring training in this hugely expanding and budding sector.
The sometimes daunting task of securing your first job is often relieved because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance service. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it's quite easy for training companies to overplay it. The fact of the matter is, the need for well trained IT people in this country is the reason you'll find a job.
Whatever you do, avoid waiting until you have passed your final exams before getting your CV updated. As soon as your training commences, list what you're working on and get it out there!
It's not uncommon to find that junior support jobs are offered to people who are still studying and haven't even passed a single exam yet. This will at least get you on your way.
Normally you'll get better performance from a specialist independent regional employment service than you will through a training company's centralised service, because they'll know the local area and commercial needs better.
Not inconsiderable numbers of people, so it seems, spend evenings and weekends on their training and studies (for years sometimes), and just give up when it comes to looking for a job. Promote yourself... Work hard to get yourself known. A job isn't just going to bump into you.
Watch out that all certifications that you're considering will be recognised by employers and are bang up to date. 'In-house' exams and the certificates they come with are generally useless.
If the accreditation doesn't feature a major player like Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe, then you may discover it could have been a waste of time and effort - as no-one will have heard of it.
(C) Scott Edwards 2009. Hop over to ComptiaCertification-2U.co.uk or HERE.
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