Spiritual Action

Well Done! By reading this you've doubtless been pondering on re-training to work in a different industry - that means you've already taken one more step than the majority. Less of us than you'd think are satisfied with our careers, but it's rare anyone does more than moan. So, why not be one of the few who actually do something about it.

When considering retraining, it's important that you first make a list of what you DO want and DON'T want from the job you would like to get. Be sure that you would be more satisfied before you put a lot of energy into taking a new turn. We recommend looking at the whole story first, to steer clear of regrets:

* Do you see yourself dealing with people? Is that as part of a team or with a lot of new people? Possibly operating on your own in a task-based situation could suit you better?

* Are you thinking carefully about which area you maybe could work in? (With the economic downturn, it's more important than ever to choose carefully.)

* When you've done all your re-training, would you like your new abilities to get you jobs for the rest of your working life?

* Are you happy that the training program you've chosen will make you employable, and have the ability to allow you to work up to retirement age?

When listing your options, it's relevant that you don't overlook IT - it's common knowledge that it is one of the few growth sectors. It's not all nerdy people looking at computer screens the whole time - naturally some IT jobs demand that, but the majority of roles are filled with Joe averages who get on very well.

Look at the following facts in detail if you think the marketing blurb about an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:

You're paying for it ultimately. One thing's for sure - it isn't free - they've simply charged more for the whole training package.

Should you seriously need to pass first time, then you should pay for each exam as you go, focus on it intently and apply yourself as required.

Isn't it outrageous to have to pay a training course provider in advance for exam fees? Go for the best offer at the time, instead of paying a premium - and take it closer to home - instead of miles away at the college's beck and call.

Is there a good reason to pay interest on a bigger loan than is necessary because you've paid early for examination fees when there was no need to? A great deal of money is made by companies charging all their exam fees up-front - and then cashing in when they're not all taken.

The majority of organisations will require you to do mock exams and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass - which actually leaves you with no guarantee at all.

With average Prometric and VUE exams coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, it makes sense to pay as you go. Why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra at the beginning of your training? Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

Those that are drawn to this type of work are often very practical, and don't really enjoy classrooms, and struggling through thick study-volumes. If this could be you, go for more modern interactive training, where you can learn everything on-screen.

Studies have consistently verified that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.

The latest home-based training features interactive CD and DVD ROM's. Instructor-led tutorials will mean you'll take everything in through the expert demonstrations. Then it's time to test your knowledge by practicing and interacting with the software.

Each company you're contemplating should be able to show you a few samples of their courseware. Expect video tutorials, instructor led classes and interactive areas to practice in.

Opt for disc based courseware (On CD or DVD) where possible. This then avoids all the potential pitfalls with broadband 'downtime' or slow-speeds.

Wouldn't it be great to know for sure that our careers are safe and the future is protected, however, the truth for the majority of jobs around the United Kingdom right now is that security just isn't there anymore.

Security only exists now through a rapidly growing marketplace, driven by a lack of trained workers. It's this shortage that creates the right conditions for a higher level of market-security - a far better situation.

The computer industry skills deficit across the United Kingdom clocks in at roughly 26 percent, according to a recent e-Skills investigation. Put simply, we can only fill three out of every four jobs in Information Technology (IT).

This single reality in itself is the backbone of why the UK is in need of a lot more workers to get trained and become part of the IT industry.

Actually, seeking in-depth commercial IT training as you progress through the years to come is very likely the safest career direction you could choose.

At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be proper direct-access 24x7 support with dedicated instructors and mentors. Far too often we see trainers who only seem to want to help while they're in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends.

Locate training schools where you can receive help at all hours of the day and night (irrespective of whether it's the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Make sure it's always direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not access to a call-in service which takes messages - so you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back when it's convenient for them.

The most successful trainers incorporate three or four individual support centres around the globe in several time-zones. By utilising an interactive interface to seamlessly link them all, at any time you choose, there is always help at hand, with no hassle or contact issues.

Never make the mistake of compromise where support is concerned. Most students that drop-out or fail, are in that situation because of a lack of support.

All programs you're considering has to build towards a commercially valid qualification as an end-goal - and not some unimportant 'in-house' diploma - fit only for filing away and forgetting.

From an employer's viewpoint, only the top companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe (to give some examples) will get you short-listed. Nothing else will cut the mustard.