There are actually 4 different sectors in the full CompTIA A+ syllabus, but you’re just required to achieve pass marks in 2 for competency in A+. Be aware though that only studying two of the four specialities could expose flaws in your knowledge when applying for a job. At least learn about all four – this will give you the edge in the working environment.
A+ computer training courses are about fault finding and diagnosing – both remote access and hands-on, as well as building and fixing and working in antistatic conditions.
Should you fancy yourself as the person who is involved with a big team – supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, you’ll need to add CompTIA Network+, or consider an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft as you’ll need a deeper understanding of how networks function.
Remember: the actual training program or a qualification isn’t what this is about; a job you’re training for is. Far too many training organisations place too much importance on the piece of paper.
Never let yourself become part of that group who select a program that seems ‘fun’ or ‘interesting’ – and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for a job they hate.
Make sure you investigate your leanings around earning potential and career progression, and how ambitious you are. You should understand what (if any) sacrifices you’ll need to make for a particular role, what particular qualifications they want you to have and how to develop your experience.
We recommend that students always seek guidance and advice from a professional advisor before you begin a learning path, so you’re sure from the outset that the content of a learning package provides the skills necessary.
Many people assume that the state educational system is the right way even now. So why then are commercial certificates slowly and steadily replacing it?
With a growing demand for specific technological expertise, the IT sector has moved to specific, honed-in training only available through the vendors themselves – in other words companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA. Frequently this is at a far reduced cost both money and time wise.
In a nutshell, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It’s slightly more broad than that, but principally the objective has to be to cover the precise skills needed (alongside some required background) – without trying to cram in everything else – in the way that academic establishments often do.
Just as the old advertisement said: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. The company just needs to know what they need doing, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. They’ll know then that all applicants can do what they need.
Many training companies will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. Don’t get overly impressed with this service – it’s easy for training companies to overplay it. At the end of the day, the need for well trained IT people in Great Britain is what will make you attractive to employers.
Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don’t wait until you’ve graduated or passed any exams.
Getting your CV considered is more than not being regarded at all. A decent number of junior jobs are bagged by trainees who are still at an early stage in their studies.
Generally, you’ll receive better performance from a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service than you will through a training provider’s national service, as they’ll know the local area and commercial needs better.
A good number of people, it would appear, conscientiously work through their course materials (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of attempting to secure the right position. Sell yourself… Work hard to let employers know about you. Don’t think a job’s just going to jump out in front of you.
Can job security really exist anymore? In the UK for example, with businesses changing their mind on a whim, there doesn’t seem much chance.
Where there are rising skills shortfalls coupled with growing demand of course, we often discover a newly emerging type of security in the marketplace; driven by the constant growth conditions, businesses are struggling to hire enough staff.
The Information Technology (IT) skills shortage throughout the country falls in at approximately twenty six percent, as shown by the most recent e-Skills study. So, for each 4 job positions available in Information Technology (IT), companies are only able to locate enough qualified individuals for 3 of them.
This single truth on its own shows why the country urgently requires so many more new trainees to join the industry.
Because the IT sector is expanding at such a speed, there really isn’t any other market worth considering for a new career.
Copyright 2009 Scott Edwards. Navigate to Access 2003 Training or www.NewCareersTraining.co.uk/wnct.html.