Training for Networking Support - Update

Computer and network support technicians are constantly sought after in Great Britain, as organisations are becoming more reliant upon their knowledge and skills. Whereupon our society becomes growingly beholden to our PC's, we simultaneously inevitably become more reliant on the commercially qualified network engineers, who maintain those systems.

Proper support is incredibly important - ensure you track down something that provides 24×7 direct access, as anything less will frustrate you and could hold up your pace and restrict your intake.

some companies only provide email support (slow), and telephone support is usually to a call-centre that will chat nicely with you for 5 minutes to ask what the issue is and then simply send an email to an instructor - who will attempt to call you within 24-48 hrs, when it's convenient to them. This is all next to useless if you're lost and confused and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.

The very best programs opt for an online access 24×7 package combining multiple support operations over many time-zones. You will be provided with a single, easy-to-use interface that accesses the most appropriate office any time of the day or night: Support when it's needed.

Never make do with less than you need and deserve. Direct-access round-the-clock support is the only way to go with computer-based training. Maybe burning the midnight-oil is not your thing; but for most of us, we're at work while the support is live.

Most trainers typically provide mainly work-books and reference manuals. Obviously, this isn't much fun and not a very good way of achieving retention.

Studies have consistently shown 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 self-contained CD or DVD materials. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you'll learn your subject via the expert demonstrations. Knowledge can then be tested by utilising the practice lab's and modules.

It's very important to see the type of training provided by any company that you may want to train through. Be sure that they contain instructor-led video demonstrations with virtual practice-lab's.

It's usually bad advice to select online only courseware. With highly variable reliability and quality from most broadband providers, ensure that you have access to physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

An advisor that doesn't ask many questions - it's more than likely they're just a salesperson. If someone pushes specific products before looking at your personality and experience, then it's definitely the case.

Often, the training start-point for a person with a little experience can be massively different to the student with none.

For students starting IT studies and exams as a new venture, it can be helpful to start out slowly, kicking off with some basic PC skills training first. This can be built into most training packages.

Watch out that all exams you're studying for are recognised by industry and are bang up to date. The 'in-house' certifications provided by many companies are often meaningless.

From an employer's viewpoint, only the major heavyweights like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe or CompTIA (as an example) will open the right doors. Anything less won't make the grade.

(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for smart career tips. www.comptiacertification.co.uk or CLICK HERE.