In the fast-paced world we live in, support workers who are qualified to mend PC’s and networks, and give ongoing assistance to users, are indispensable in every sector of the economy. As we become growingly reliant on advanced technology, we additionally become increasingly dependent on the technically knowledgeable IT professionals, who keep the systems going.

Locating job security these days is incredibly rare. Businesses often throw us from the workforce at the drop of a hat – whenever it suits.

Where there are growing skills shortages coupled with growing demand though, we can discover a new kind of market-security; where, fuelled by conditions of continuous growth, organisations struggle to find the number of people required.

The IT skills shortfall around the UK currently stands at approx twenty six percent, as reported by a recent e-Skills analysis. Essentially, we can only fill 3 out of every 4 jobs in IT.

Well trained and commercially accredited new workers are as a result at a total premium, and it looks like they will be for much longer.

Undoubtedly, now, more than ever, really is a fabulous time to train for the IT industry.

Many people question why academic qualifications are being overtaken by more commercial qualifications?

With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, industry has of necessity moved to specific, honed-in training only available through the vendors themselves – namely companies like CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. This often comes in at a fraction of the cost and time.

Vendor training works through concentrating on the particular skills that are needed (along with an appropriate level of background knowledge,) as opposed to spending months and years on the background ‘extras’ that degree courses can get bogged down in – to fill a three or four year course.

It’s a bit like the TV advert: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know what they’re looking for, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they’re assured that a potential employee can do exactly what’s required.

Far too many companies focus completely on the certification process, and forget why you’re doing this – which is a commercial career or job. Always start with where you want to get to – don’t make the vehicle more important than the destination.

Don’t let yourself become part of the group that choose a course that sounds really ‘interesting’ and ‘fun’ – only to end up with a qualification for something they’ll never enjoy.

You’ll want to understand what industry will expect from you. What exams they’ll want you to gain and how you’ll build your experience level. Spend some time assessing how far you’d like to get as often it can present a very specific set of certifications.

We advise all students to speak to an experienced advisor before they embark on a training program. This helps to ensure it has the required elements for the career path that has been chosen.

Validated exam preparation and simulation materials are essential – and really must be obtained from your training provider.

Students regularly can find themselves confused by practicing questions for their exams that aren’t recognised by official boards. Quite often, the question formats and phraseology can be completely unlike un-authorised versions and you should be prepared for this.

Why don’t you verify your knowledge by doing tests and practice exams prior to taking the real deal.