Anyone looking to get into the computer industry will soon realise that there are a variety of courses in existence. Before starting a training program, look for a training organisation with industry experts, so you can be educated on the type of work your training program is designed for. You could uncover employment opportunities you hadn’t previously thought of. The courses range from Microsoft User Skills to career courses in Web Design, Databases, Programming and Networking. There’s a great deal of choice and so the chances are you’ll want to talk through your options with an experienced advisor before you make your final decision: you don’t want to start the wrong training for something that doesn’t suit you!
Currently, there are many versions of user-friendly and sensibly priced options to be had that furnish you with a great learning experience.
Including examinations with the course fee and offering an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is common for a good many training companies. But look at the facts:
It’s very clear we’re still paying for it – it’s quite obvious to see that it’s been inserted into the gross price invoiced by the training company. It’s definitely not free – don’t think these companies are so generous with their money! It’s everybody’s ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Entering examinations in order and paying for them just before taking them makes it far more likely you’ll pass first time – you put the effort in and are mindful of the investment you’ve made.
Why pay the college at the start of the course for examinations? Find the best deal you can when you take the exam, don’t pay mark-ups – and sit exams more locally – instead of miles away at the college’s beck and call. Big margins are made by many training colleges who get money for exam fees in advance. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons but the company keeps the money. Amazingly, there are training companies who depend on students not taking their exams – and that’s how they increase their profits. Re-takes of previously unsuccessful exams through companies who offer an ‘Exam Guarantee’ inevitably are heavily regulated. They’ll insist that you take mock exams first to make sure they think you’re going to pass.
Spending hundreds or even thousands extra on an ‘Exam Guarantee’ is foolish – when consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software is what will get you through.
Of all the important things to consider, one of the most essential is always proper direct-access 24×7 support through dedicated instructors and mentors. It’s an all too common story to find providers that only provide office hours (or extended office hours) support. Avoid those companies which use messaging services ‘out-of-hours’ – with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and need an answer now.
The best training colleges opt for an online 24 hours-a-day system pulling in several support offices from around the world. You get an environment that seamlessly selects the best facility available at any time of day or night: Support on demand. Look for an educator that goes the extra mile. Only proper live 24×7 support delivers what is required.
A top of the range training package will undoubtedly have accredited simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Steer clear of relying on non-official exam preparation questions. Their phraseology is often somewhat different – and this leads to huge confusion when the proper exam time arrives. Why don’t you analyse your depth of understanding through tests and simulated exams to prepare you for taking the actual exam.
The way a programme is physically sent to you is often missed by many students. How many stages do they break the program into? What is the order and at what speed is it delivered? Many companies enrol you into a program typically taking 1-3 years, and drop-ship the materials to you piecemeal as you complete each section or exam. On the surface this seems reasonable – until you consider the following: How would they react if you didn’t complete each and every module at the speed they required? And maybe you’ll find their order of completion won’t fit you as well as another different route may.
For future safety and flexibility, it’s normal for most trainees to have all their training materials (which they’ve now paid for) delivered immediately, and not in stages. You can then decide in what order and how fast or slow you want to work.
Usually, trainers will provide a shelf full of reference manuals. This can be very boring and not ideal for achieving retention. Research over recent years has repeatedly shown that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is much more conducive to long-term memory.
Learning is now available in disc format, so you can study at your own computer. Video streaming means you can watch instructors demonstrating how it’s all done, and then have a go at it yourself – in an interactive lab. Always insist on a look at some courseware examples from your training provider. The package should contain instructor videos, demonstrations, slide-shows and fully interactive skills-lab’s.
It is generally unwise to opt for on-line only training. Connection quality and reliability varies hugely across most broadband providers, ensure that you have access to disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).
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