If you're investigating any type of I.T. training, then the first thing to consider is just what your actual goal is. Maybe you have a job planned that requires specific Computer user skills, or do you just would like to know the way to surf the internet more thoroughly? Maybe it's substantially more, and you're wanting to establish a brand-new career as an IT technician.

Exactly where you wish to wind up has to be your first thing to consider. As soon as you have decided on your desired goals, it is quite easy to work out the training that should meet all of your required objectives. This valuable process will also save you time & money, and means you are not wasting effort on the wrong thing.

You will be able to learn more about the different IT careers and training paths from specialised web-pages on this site. Alternatively, you can request our free Lollypedia E-Book and then ring to speak with one of our expert advisors.

In essence, the starting place for a total beginner, who simply would like to obtain a fundamental idea of how to get more out of their laptop or computer, is the European Computer Driving Licence. This will cover how to work the standard elements of "Windows" (the system which 'runs' the majority of home PCs.) You'll also understand the way to log-on to the internet, and how to access and navigate website pages and handle e-mail. This training also outlines word-processing, spreadsheets & databases.

A further step is to gain a bit more formalised training to boost your Resume or prepare you for extra roles at the office. The most popular of these is more advanced instruction in Microsoft 'Office'. Two industry accepted certification programs are 'MOS' ('Microsoft Office Specialist') & MCAS (Microsoft Certified Application Specialist). Whilst the first emphasises the Microsoft 'Office' 2003 environment under 'Windows XP', the second emphasises 'Windows Vista' & Office 2007. 'XP' continues to be most common within business, but Vista may be more future-proof. Both qualification paths contain individual exams around the major Microsoft 'Office' applications: 'Word' (word processing), 'Excel' (spreadsheets), "Access" (data-bases) & PowerPoint (presentations.) The benefit of obtaining these accreditations is that they prove your in depth competency level for using these packages.

Its quite likely if you're wanting to get in to I.T. from a different career you will need to start your training course somewhere around these stages. Exactly where will depend on the skill-sets you have now. For more advanced programs it is a good idea to talk your intentions through with an industry expert who has IT knowledge. But almost any complete career change plans should really be discussed ahead of diving in - it's a logical step to confirm the training you choose is fit for purpose. Trainees who don't organise where they're going from the start often finish up wasting a lot of time and money - which could have been prevented with a basic 30 min chat.

If Professional IT work is your end ambition, you could begin with instruction in IT support work. Usually, if you are going to deliver software support to users in a corporate environment, then the MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) is probably suitable. A program of this nature normally takes approximately a hundred hours of study time.

We come in to full I.T. professional career training courses at the following level. To obtain a position providing hardware support or network support you ought to look at doing 'A+' and Network+ certifications from CompTIA. Along with covering the fundamentals of hardware & networks, you will also be taught about support, troubleshooting, administration and security. A training program covering both should take around 200-250 hrs to complete. This means someone studying part time around a job could feasibly be at the accreditation stage in 6 months time.

Jobs in IT can be broken down into a few main groups: 1) Networking, (Security and Support), 2) Programming & Software Development, 3) Database Administration & Development and 4) Web Design, - both creative and technological aspects. Every IT classification has its own set of skill requirements, with related qualifications at a number of different proficiency levels. Programming satisfies a different kind of individual to website design, which satisfies yet another kind of person to networking and security. When you have had an opportunity to obtain guidance on all of the I.T. career options, you'll be a lot more comfortable that you've picked the best career path for you.

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