If you want training in Cisco, the chances are you’re looking for a CCNA. The Cisco training is the way to go for those who wish to understand and work with routers and switches. Routers connect computer networks to another collection of computer networks over dedicated lines or the internet.

As routers connect networks together, seek out training that includes basic networking skills (for example Network+, perhaps with A+) prior to starting your CCNA course. It’s essential to have this background understanding on networks prior to starting your Cisco training or you’ll probably struggle. When you’ve qualified and are on the job market, you’ll benefit from having a good knowledge of networks in addition to the CCNA.

Should this be your first introduction to routers, then qualifying up to the CCNA level is all you’ll be able to cope with – don’t be pushed into attempting your CCNP. With a few years experience behind you, you can decide if it’s relevant for you to have this next level up.

It would be wonderful to believe that our careers will remain secure and our work prospects are protected, however, the truth for most jobs throughout England at the moment seems to be that there is no security anymore. Of course, a marketplace with high growth, where there just aren’t enough staff to go round (because of an enormous shortage of commercially certified staff), creates the conditions for lasting job security.

Offering the computer market as an example, a key e-Skills study brought to light a skills deficit throughout the UK of over 26 percent. Essentially, we only have the national capacity to fill just 3 out of each four job positions in the computing industry. This alarming certainty highlights the requirement for more technically accredited IT professionals throughout Great Britain. Without a doubt, now really is the very best time for retraining into the computer industry.

Many training companies offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. At the end of the day it’s not as difficult as you may be led to believe to land the right work – once you’re trained and certified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

You would ideally have help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews though; and we’d encourage all students to work on polishing up their CV the day they start training – don’t procrastinate and leave it until you’ve qualified. Quite often, you will be offered your first position while still studying (sometimes when you’ve only just got going). If your course details aren’t on your CV (and it’s not being looked at by employers) then you won’t even be considered! Generally, you’ll receive quicker results from a specialist independent regional employment service than you’ll get from a training provider’s recruitment division, as they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

Do be sure that you don’t spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, just to give up and imagine someone else is miraculously going to land you a job. Stand up for yourself and get out there. Invest as much energy and enthusiasm into securing your new role as you did to gain the skills.

We’re often asked why qualifications from colleges and universities are now falling behind more commercially accredited qualifications? With university education costs becoming a tall order for many, together with the IT sector’s recognition that corporate based study often has more relevance in the commercial field, there’s been a big surge in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA based training paths that educate students for much less time and money. Essentially, only required knowledge is taught. It isn’t quite as lean as that might sound, but principally the objective has to be to cover the precise skills needed (including a degree of required background) – without trying to cram in everything else (as universities often do).

Just as the old advertisement said: ‚It does what it says on the tin‘. The company just needs to know what areas need to be serviced, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

Authorised exam preparation and simulation materials are a must – and absolutely ought to be offered by your training company. Some students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that don’t come from official boards. Often, the phraseology is unfamiliar and it’s important to prepare yourself for this. Mock exams are very useful in helping you build your confidence – so when it comes to taking the proper exam, you will be much more relaxed.

Ignore a salesperson that offers any particular course without a thorough investigation to better understand your current abilities plus your level of experience. They should be able to select from a generous range of products so they can give you a program that suits you.. If you have a strong background, or maybe some work-based experience (possibly even some previous certification?) then it’s more than likely your starting level will be very different from someone who is just starting out. Commencing with a basic PC skills program first is often the best way to get up and running on your computer training, but really depends on your level of familiarity with computers.