Computer and network support technicians are increasingly in demand in the UK, as businesses have come to depend on their technical advice and ability to fix and repair. Because of the complex nature of technology, many more trained staff are being sought to run the many areas we need to be sure will work effectively.

So many training providers are all about the certification, and completely miss what it's all actually about - getting yourself a new job or career. Always begin with the end in mind - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. Don't be one of those unfortunate people that choose a course which looks like it could be fun - only to end up with a qualification for something they'll never enjoy.

Prioritise understanding what industry will expect from you. Which precise exams they'll want you to gain and how to gain experience. It's also worth spending time thinking about how far you'd like to progress your career as it will affect your choice of certifications. Sense dictates that you seek advice from an experienced industry advisor before embarking on some particular training programme, so you can be sure that the content of a learning package provides the skills for the job being sought.

Searching for your first position in IT can be a little easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance service. In reality it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to get a job - as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don't delay until you've qualified. You might not even have got to the exam time when you will be offered your first junior support position; however this can't and won't happen if your CV isn't in front of employers. Actually, a local IT focused employment service (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) should get better results than any division of a training company. In addition, they will no doubt know local industry and the area better.

Certainly make sure you don't put hundreds of hours of effort into your studies, just to give up and imagine someone else is miraculously going to sort out your employment. Get off your backside and get on with the job. Invest as much resource into landing your new role as you did to get trained.

Many students come unstuck over one aspect of their training which doesn't even occur to them: The breakdown of the course materials before being couriered to your address. Training companies will normally offer a program spread over 1-3 years, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you finish each section. This sounds reasonable until you consider the following: With thought, many trainees understand that their providers standard order of study is not what they would prefer. Sometimes, it's more expedient to use an alternative order of study. Could it cause problems if you don't get everything done within their exact timetable?

Put simply, the very best answer is to get an idea of what they recommend as an ideal study order, but make sure you have all of your learning modules right from the beginning. You're then in possession of everything should you not complete it at their required pace.

Student support is absolutely essential - look for a package that provides 24x7 direct access, as anything else will annoy you and definitely put a damper on the speed you move through things. Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use messaging services 'out-of-hours' - with your call-back scheduled for office hours. It's not a lot of help when you've got study issues and need help now.

As long as you look hard, you will find the top providers who give students direct-access support around the clock - including evenings, nights and weekends. Don't compromise when you're looking for the right support service. Many trainees who throw in the towel, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).

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