Sunday, January 10, 2010

Computer Training in CompTIA - Update

By Jason Kendall

Four separate areas of study make up a full CompTIA A+; you're thought of as competent at A+ when you've gained exams for 2 out of 4 subjects. For this reason, the majority of training establishments offer only two of the training courses. In reality it's necessary to have the teaching in all areas as many jobs will ask for an awareness of the whole A+ program. It isn't necessary to qualify in them all, although it would seem prudent that you at least have a working knowledge of every area.

Once you start your A+ computer training course you will develop an understanding of how to work in antistatic conditions and build and fix computers. You'll also cover fault-finding and diagnostic techniques, both remotely and via direct access.

If you would like to be a man or woman who works for a larger company - fixing and supporting networks, build on A+ with Network+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA - MCSE) because it's necessary to have a wider knowledge of how networks work.

Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something providing 24x7 full access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely hold up your pace and restrict your intake.

You'll be waiting ages for an answer with email based support, and phone support is often to a call-centre who will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, at a suitable time to them. This is no use if you're sitting there confused over an issue and only have a specific time you can study.

Keep your eyes open for training programs that incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. All of them should be combined to give a single entry point and 24x7 access, when it's convenient for you, with no hassle.

Search out a training school that offers this level of study support. Only proper round-the-clock 24x7 support delivers what is required.

An all too common mistake that students everywhere can make is to concentrate on the course itself, and take their eye off the desired end-result. Training academies are brimming over with direction-less students who took a course because it seemed fun - in place of something that could gain them their end-goal of a job they enjoyed.

It's possible, for instance, to obtain tremendous satisfaction from a year of studying only to end up putting 20 long years into something completely unrewarding, entirely because you stumbled into it without the correct level of soul-searching at the beginning.

Set targets for how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This will influence what qualifications you'll need to attain and what'll be expected of you in your new role.

Obtain help from an industry professional who appreciates the market you're interested in, and will be able to provide 'A typical day in the life of' synopsis of what you'll actually be doing day-to-day. It's sensible to understand whether or not this is right for you long before you commence your studies. After all, what is the point in kicking off your training only to discover you're on the wrong course.

Some training providers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance program, to assist your search for your first position. Because of the great demand for appropriately skilled people in Britain even when times are hard, there isn't a great need to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It really won't be that difficult to secure a job as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications.

Help with your CV and interview techniques is sometimes offered (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Make sure you work on your old CV today - don't leave it till you pass the exams!

Quite often, you'll land your initial role while you're still a student (even when you've just left first base). If you haven't updated your CV to say what you're studying (and it isn't in the hands of someone with jobs to offer) then you aren't even in the running!

Generally, you'll receive better results from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than any training course provider's national service, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

A big grievance for a number of training providers is how hard trainees are prepared to study to get top marks in their exams, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the job they have trained for. Get out there and hustle - you might find it's fun.

Throw out the typical salesman who offers any particular course without an in-depth conversation so as to understand your abilities plus your experience level. They should be able to select from a generous product range so they're actually equipped to give you an appropriate solution.

Occasionally, the starting point of study for someone with some experience will be substantially different to the student with none.

Always consider starting with some basic PC skills training first. Starting there can make the transition to higher-level learning a much more gentle.

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