Whether you are new to network support, or a professional ready to formalise your skill set, there are state-of-the-art Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) courses to educate both standards of student. Find a provider that’s eager to get to know you, and can sort out the best route for you, even before they start thinking about which course. Experts will also be in a position to tell you where to commence based on your present skill-set and/or gaps in understanding.

Without a doubt: There’s no such thing as individual job security available anymore; there’s only market or sector security - as any company can drop any single member of staff if it fits the business’ business needs. Security only exists now in a quickly growing marketplace, driven forward by a shortage of trained workers. It’s this shortage that creates the right conditions for a secure market - definitely a more pleasing situation.

The 2006 UK e-Skills study showed that 26 percent of computing and IT jobs haven’t been filled due to a chronic shortage of trained staff. That means for each four job positions available across the computer industry, we’ve only got three properly trained pro’s to fulfil that role. This glaring fact underpins the urgent need for more appropriately accredited computer professionals in the country. For sure, this really is a critical time for retraining into IT.

It’s incontrovertible, the IT industry shows extraordinary potential. Yet, to properly investigate, what kind of questions should we raise, and which elements are the most important?

Of course: a training itself or a certification is not the ultimate goal; a job you’re training for is. Too many training companies place too much importance on the piece of paper. Never let yourself become part of that group that choose a course that seems ‘fun’ or ‘interesting’ - and end up with a certification for a job they hate.

You also need to know your leanings around career development, earning potential, plus your level of ambition. You need to know what (if any) sacrifices you’ll need to make for a particular role, which certifications are needed and in what way you can develop commercial experience. Talk to a skilled advisor who knows about the sector you’re looking at, and could provide a detailed run-down of what you actually do in that role. Getting all these things right before commencement of any training programme makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?

Trainees looking at this market are often very practical, and won’t enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and slogging through piles of books. If this could be you, try the newer style of interactive study, where learning is video-based. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.

The latest home-based training features interactive CD and DVD ROM’s. Real-world classes from the instructors will mean you’ll learn your subject through the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by interacting with the software and practicing yourself. Every company that you look at should willingly take you through samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and a wide selection of interactive elements.

You should avoid purely online training. Always choose CD or DVD based study materials where possible, as you need to be able to use them whenever it’s convenient for you - you don’t want to be reliant on your internet connection always being ‘up’ and available.

Many students come unstuck over a single training area very rarely considered: The way the training is divided into chunks and delivered to your home. A release of your materials stage by stage, according to your own speed is the usual method of releasing your program. While seeming sensible, you might like to consider this: It’s not unusual for trainees to realise that their training company’s ’standard’ path of training isn’t as suitable as another. Sometimes, a different order of study is more expedient. And what if you don’t get to the end within their exact timetable?

The ideal circumstances are to get all your study materials couriered to you immediately; the entire thing! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect the reaching of your goals.

One thing you must always insist on is 24×7 round-the-clock support via dedicated instructors and mentors. Too many companies only provide support to you inside of office hours (typically 9am-6pm) and sometimes a little earlier or later (but not weekends usually). some companies only provide email support (slow), and so-called telephone support is normally just routed to a call-centre who will take the information and email an instructor - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you’re there), at a time suitable for them. This is not a lot of use if you’re stuck and can’t continue and can only study at specific times.

If you look properly, you’ll find professional training packages which offer direct-access support around the clock - at any time of day or night. Search out a trainer that is worth purchasing from. Only proper 24×7 round-the-clock live support truly delivers for technical programs.

Incorporating exams upfront then giving it ‘Exam Guarantee’ status is a common method with many companies. But let’s examine why they really do it:

Of course it’s not free - you’re still being charged for it - it’s just been wrapped up in the price of the package. Should you seriously need to pass first time, evidence suggests you must pay for each exam as you go, focus on it intently and give the task sufficient application.

Isn’t it outrageous to have to pay a training company in advance for examinations? Go for the best offer when you take the exam, instead of paying any mark-up - and do it locally - rather than possibly hours away from your area. Including money in your training package for examination fees (which also includes interest if you’ve taken out a loan) is a false economy. Why fill a company’s coffers with your money only to please their Bank Manager! Many will hope you won’t get to do them all - so they don’t need to pay for them. Re-takes of previously unsuccessful exams via companies with an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are monitored with tight restrictions. You’ll be required to sit pre-tests so you can prove to them you have a good chance of passing.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on ‘Exam Guarantees’ is foolish - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is what will get you through.

You have to be sure that all your certifications are current and what employers are looking for - don’t bother with courses which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you’d printed it yourself). The main industry leaders like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe or Cisco each have internationally approved skills courses. These big-hitters can make sure you stand out at interview.