Computer training for CompTIA A+ covers 4 different sectors – the requirement is exam passes in two of these areas to reach the level of A+ competent. This is why, most training providers simply provide 2 of the training options. We think this is too much of a compromise – yes you’ll have qualified, but experience of all four will give you a distinct advantage in industry, where you’ll need to know about all of them. That’s the reason why you deserve training in everything.
Once you start your A+ training course you’ll become familiar with how to build computers and fix them, and work in antistatic conditions. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access.
If you would like to be someone who works for a larger company – supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, add Network+ to your CompTIA A+, or consider the Microsoft networking route (MCSA – MCSE) in order to have a better comprehension of how networks work.
Commercially accredited qualifications are now, most definitely, taking over from the more academic tracks into the IT industry – so why is this the case?
Industry is of the opinion that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from the likes of Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially – and a fraction of the cost and time.
They do this through focusing on the actual skills required (along with a relevant amount of associated knowledge,) rather than trawling through all the background detail and ‘fluff’ that degree courses often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).
Just like the advert used to say: ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Employers simply need to know what they’re looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. That way they can be sure they’re interviewing applicants who can do the job.
Working on revolutionary new technology is about as exciting as it can get. You’re involved with impacting progress around the world.
We’re barely beginning to get to grips with what this change will mean to us. The way we interact with the world will be massively affected by computers and the internet.
A typical IT worker in Great Britain is likely to receive a lot more money than his or her counterpart in another industry. Standard IT salaries are around the top of national league tables.
It seems there is a lot more room for IT increases in Great Britain as a whole. The industry is continuing to expand enormously, and as we have a skills gap that means we only typically have three IT workers for every four jobs it’s most unlikely that things will be any different for the significant future.
Beware of putting too much emphasis, like so many people do, on the accreditation program. Training is not an end in itself; you should be geared towards the actual job at the end of it. You need to remain focused on where you want to go.
It’s a terrible situation, but a large percentage of students start out on programs that sound fabulous in the marketing materials, but which gets us a career that is of no interest. Try talking to typical college leavers and you’ll see where we’re coming from.
Spend some time thinking about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. This can often control what accreditations will be expected and how much effort you’ll have to give in return.
Look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry advisor, even if you have to pay – it’s much safer and cheaper to discover early on if something is going to suit and interest you, instead of finding out after two full years that you aren’t going to enjoy the job you’ve chosen and have wasted years of effort.
Have a conversation with a skilled consultant and we’d be amazed if they couldn’t provide you with many awful tales of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Only deal with an experienced industry professional who digs deep to uncover the best thing for you – not for their paycheque! It’s very important to locate the very best place to start for you.
Often, the level to start at for a trainee experienced in some areas can be massively different to the student with no experience.
Working through a basic PC skills course first may be the ideal way to commence your IT training, depending on your skill level at the moment.
(C) Jason Kendall. Check out LearningLolly.com for superb career advice. Comptia Courses or www.comptiacertification.co.uk.