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.
CompTIA A+ without additional courses will mean that you’re able to fix and maintain stand-alone PC’s and MAC’s; ones which are usually not part of a network – essentially the domestic or small business sector.
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.
Speak with almost any skilled advisor and you’ll be surprised by their many worrying experiences of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Make sure you deal with a skilled professional who asks some in-depth questions to uncover the best thing for you – not for their bank-account! Dig until you find a starting-point that will suit you.
If you’ve got any work-based experience or base qualifications, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is now at a different level to a new student.
It’s wise to consider some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. Starting there can make the learning curve a much easier going.
How long has it been since you considered the security of your job? For most of us, we only think of this after something goes wrong. But in today’s marketplace, the reality is that our job security simply doesn’t exist anymore, for nearly everyone now.
Now, we only experience security through a rapidly escalating marketplace, driven forward by work-skills shortages. This shortage creates the appropriate environment for a higher level of market-security – a much more desirable situation.
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.
Accomplishing in-depth commercial computer exams is thus a quick route to a continuing and pleasing occupation.
Surely, now, more than ever, really is a fabulous time to consider retraining into Information Technology (IT).
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 possible that you won’t have even got to the exam time when you land your first junior support job; although this isn’t going to happen unless your CV is with employers.
The best services to get you a new position are usually local IT focused employment agencies. As they will get paid by the employer when they’ve placed you, they’ll work that much harder to get a result.
Fundamentally, as long as you focus the same level of energy into securing a job as into training, you won’t find it too challenging. A number of trainees strangely invest a great deal of time on their course materials and then call a halt once qualified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.
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.
From an employer’s perspective, only top businesses such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or Adobe (as an example) really carry any commercial clout. Nothing else makes the grade.
Author: Scott Edwards. Visit www.ComptiaCertification-2U.co.uk or CLICK HERE.
