Wednesday, December 31, 2008

IT Training Providers - How Can I Compare Them?

By Scott Edwards

If you're searching for IT training providers, it follows that you're about to make a choice on who will train you. So let's make a few assumptions about where you're at right now and let's look at the options available:

* Your new training is to get a job.

* You'd like to develop a skill set that will enable you to do well, and not be stressed out due to gaps in your understanding.

* You appreciate that the qualifications you get must be able to get you short-listed for interview.

* You wish to find a provider that can offer you quality advice, effective training, support when you need it, and all at a reasonable price.

So what are your options to choose from? If you're looking for qualifications to make you employable in the IT Industry, we recommend you avoid universities. Degrees are too academic and not specific enough for modern IT roles. If this is a bit of a revelation to you, look at the Jobsites and you'll see that most employers are looking for commercial qualifications.

So how do I get commercial qualifications? There are two ways historically:

One way is Boot Camps. These are mind bogglingly intensive 10 to 14 week training sessions that are purely designed to pass qualifications. If you're sharp, good at learning and prepared to commit every waking hour to study, they will get you through, but the failure rate is high.

However, employers tend to view Boot Camp students as lesser mortals! This is because in the past they've found students from this form of training haven't enough understanding of their subject to handle the cross section of challenges in the work place.

Most of your classmates on these types of courses are experienced IT professionals who use them to upgrade their skills, so they're already starting with a good understanding of the subject.

Your other option has typically been the Distance Learning College, using study books and reference manuals and occasional trips to a classroom. It is possible to be successful on these courses, but you'll need steely drive and commitment. It's a fact most of these colleges couldn't make a profit if large numbers of their students didn't drop out on the way, so just imagine how good their support will be.

What To Look For In IT Training Providers...

Make sure you see their training materials, and decide for yourself whether you can learn from them. If you're given some excuse why you can't be shown them, think if it's wise to train with them?

At the times you plan to study you'll need access to tutors, not a message system for a call back later in office hours, so please find out exactly how their support works and make sure it will suit the way you plan to work.

Watch out for companies who like money up-front for your exams. Why do you think that is? Because you won't get it back if you don't take them all!

If these typical IT training providers don't sound right for you, there is now a refreshing alternative. Cutting-edge interactive learning has now come of age, and can deliver state-of-the-art training.

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