Cisco training is the way to go for those who want to learn about routers. Routers hook up computer networks over dedicated lines or the internet. It's a good idea that your first course should be CCNA. Steer clear of going immediately onto the CCNP for it's full of complexities - and you really need experience to take on this level.
The sort of jobs available with this type of knowledge mean you'll be more likely to work for big organisations that have multiple departments and sites but still need contact. On the other hand, you might end up joining an internet service provider. Either way, you'll be in demand and can expect a high salary.
Achieving CCNA is more than adequate; at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you can decide whether you need to train up to this level. Should that be the case, you'll have the knowledge you require to take on your CCNP - because it's far from a walk in the park - and mustn't be entered into casually.
How can job security honestly exist anywhere now? Here in the UK, with businesses changing their mind on a whim, it seems increasingly unlikely.
Of course, a sector experiencing fast growth, where there just aren't enough staff to go round (through a massive shortage of trained people), provides a market for real job security.
The computing Industry skills deficit in the UK falls in at over twenty six percent, as noted by the latest e-Skills analysis. It follows then that out of each 4 positions that exist around computing, businesses are only able to find properly accredited workers for 3 of the 4.
This disturbing notion reveals an urgent requirement for more commercially certified Information Technology professionals across Great Britain.
Surely, now really is the very best time to consider retraining into the IT industry.
Any advisor who doesn't question you thoroughly - the likelihood is they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they wade straight in with a specific product before learning about your history and current experience level, then it's definitely the case.
With some real-world experience or certification, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is very different to someone completely new.
If you're a student beginning IT exams and training as a new venture, you might like to break yourself in gently, starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can easily be incorporated into most training programs.
Commercial certification is now, very visibly, taking over from the more academic tracks into the industry - but why is this?
Key company training (as it's known in the industry) is more effective in the commercial field. Industry is aware that specialisation is essential to service the demands of an acceleratingly technical world. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the key players in this arena.
Typically, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the most important function is always to focus on the exact skills required (including a degree of required background) - without trying to cram in every other area (as academia often does).
In simple terms: Authorised IT qualifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - the title is a complete giveaway: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network'. Consequently employers can look at their needs and what certifications are required to fulfil that.
You have to make sure that all your qualifications are current and also valid commercially - don't bother with programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself).
Unless the accreditation comes from a major player like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then chances are it won't be commercially viable - as no-one will have heard of it.
The sort of jobs available with this type of knowledge mean you'll be more likely to work for big organisations that have multiple departments and sites but still need contact. On the other hand, you might end up joining an internet service provider. Either way, you'll be in demand and can expect a high salary.
Achieving CCNA is more than adequate; at this stage avoid being tempted to do the CCNP. Once you've got a few years experience behind you, you can decide whether you need to train up to this level. Should that be the case, you'll have the knowledge you require to take on your CCNP - because it's far from a walk in the park - and mustn't be entered into casually.
How can job security honestly exist anywhere now? Here in the UK, with businesses changing their mind on a whim, it seems increasingly unlikely.
Of course, a sector experiencing fast growth, where there just aren't enough staff to go round (through a massive shortage of trained people), provides a market for real job security.
The computing Industry skills deficit in the UK falls in at over twenty six percent, as noted by the latest e-Skills analysis. It follows then that out of each 4 positions that exist around computing, businesses are only able to find properly accredited workers for 3 of the 4.
This disturbing notion reveals an urgent requirement for more commercially certified Information Technology professionals across Great Britain.
Surely, now really is the very best time to consider retraining into the IT industry.
Any advisor who doesn't question you thoroughly - the likelihood is they're actually nothing more than a salesman. If they wade straight in with a specific product before learning about your history and current experience level, then it's definitely the case.
With some real-world experience or certification, you could discover that your appropriate starting-point is very different to someone completely new.
If you're a student beginning IT exams and training as a new venture, you might like to break yourself in gently, starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. This can easily be incorporated into most training programs.
Commercial certification is now, very visibly, taking over from the more academic tracks into the industry - but why is this?
Key company training (as it's known in the industry) is more effective in the commercial field. Industry is aware that specialisation is essential to service the demands of an acceleratingly technical world. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the key players in this arena.
Typically, the learning just focuses on what's actually required. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the most important function is always to focus on the exact skills required (including a degree of required background) - without trying to cram in every other area (as academia often does).
In simple terms: Authorised IT qualifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - the title is a complete giveaway: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Designing Security for a Windows 2003 Network'. Consequently employers can look at their needs and what certifications are required to fulfil that.
You have to make sure that all your qualifications are current and also valid commercially - don't bother with programs which lead to some in-house certificate (which is as useless as if you'd printed it yourself).
Unless the accreditation comes from a major player like Microsoft, Adobe, CompTIA or Cisco, then chances are it won't be commercially viable - as no-one will have heard of it.