There's an increasing movement towards network based & internet based software now, as the world moves closer & closer to the concept of Cloud computing. Precisely what this describes is all your files are located remotely, so its possible to access them from any place you are. In fact even the raw-processing is done elsewhere on one of the computer systems within the 'cloud'. Your only requirement eventually is going to be a very basic, simple 'terminal' that's plugged (or wirelessly-connected) into the Network.

One feature offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. It's intention is to help you get your first commercial position. It can happen though that too much is made of this feature, as it is actually not that hard for any focused and well taught person to find work in the IT environment - as there is such a shortage of trained staff.

Having said that, it's important to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we'd recommend everyone to bring their CV up to date right at the beginning of their training - don't put it off until you've qualified. A good number of junior support roles have been bagged by students who are in the process of training and have yet to take their exams. This will at least get you on your way. If it's important to you to find work near your home, then you'll often find that a local (but specialised) recruitment consultancy could be of more use than the trainer's recruitment division, due to the fact that they're far more likely to have insider knowledge of the jobs that are going locally.

A common frustration of a number of training providers is how hard trainees are prepared to work to become certified, but how ill-prepared they are to market themselves for the position they have studied for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.

Any advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - it's more than likely they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they're pushing towards a particular product before learning about your history and whether you have any commercial experience, then it's very likely to be the case. If you've got any live experience or base qualifications, it may be that your starting point of study is not the same as someone new to the industry. If this is your initial effort at IT study then you should consider whether to start with some basic PC skills training first.

A ridiculously large number of organisations only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely miss what you actually need - getting yourself a new job or career. Always begin with the end in mind - don't get hung-up on the training vehicle. You may train for one year and then end up doing a job for a lifetime. Don't make the mistake of finding what seems like a very 'interesting' program and then spend decades in an unrewarding career!

You also need to know your feelings on career development, earning potential, and how ambitious you are. You need to know what will be expected of you, which particular certifications are required and how you'll gain real-world experience. Before you embark on a study programme, it's good advice to talk through the specific career needs with a skilled advisor, to make sure the training program covers all the bases.

Don't accept anything less than an authorised exam preparation system as part of your course package. Because many IT examination boards tend to be American, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It's no use simply understanding random questions - they need to be in the proper exam format. Simulations and practice exams are very useful for confidence building - then when the time comes for you to take your actual exams, you don't get phased.

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