Where to go next?

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I know that this is a long one, but please dont be put off!

At the age of 16, I am just leaving school, and I have found this site and forums very uselful in learning about the certifications etc that are on offer from various places.

The problem is this, In 3 weeks time I am leaving school, and I am not sure what to do next. I want to go into IT, as this is all that I have wanted to do since I can remember (probably influenced by my mom, as she is A+ certified).

I have applied for a college place doing a BTEC National Diploma in ICT Systems Support, although I do have the problem that this is going to be full time, six hours a day, five days a week.
The problem is that I have assisted in the set up of a new company, which is taking off rapidly, and the company wish to employ me to do all of their technical work, when they are funded, which could be as late as January 2008.

Is their a route I could take at the age of 16, INSTED OF THE BETC AND COLLEGE, to start to become certified, possibly within the next year, or two years. Is there any type of 'e-learning' that I could use, as I dont just want to use books and teach my self, I would prefer something that is teacher led.

I know that possibly A+ could be completed in around a year, or could it be less? I also like the look of MCDST.

Both A+ and MCDST are included on the sylabus of the BTEC that I wish to do at college, but they are not running these units, as the college selects around 15 units from the 40.

Would working towards MCDST or A+ be better for me that the spreadsheets, databases and webdesign units that the BTEC offers?

Any guidence would really be apreciated, as you are the guys with the know.

Many Thanks in Advance
Adam

 

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Certifications and degrees are great. I highly recommend them. But if you've got your chance to get your foot in the door to jumpstart your IT career, DO SO. That way, you will begin to build some real-world experience, and companies *always* prefer real-world experience over certifications and degrees.

Most of the guys here will tell you that your first IT job is the hardest to get. If you have an inside track on one, I'd urge you to jump at the chance.

Let us know how it all turns out!

 

Ermm i took BTEC Systems Support and it has nothing to do with spreadsheets and databases, apart from a tiny bit in one of the units, no more than a lessons worth though. some of the units were a bit rubbish and left you wondering why they were included in the course, such as Business Information Systems, but maybe they wont be ones that your college has chosen

It was a good course, very easy to get top marks in, it does lack any hands on lessons until the second year in, the networking side is mostly theoretical though

overall im glad i did the course

As for taking the A+, well you could do this as well as the BTEC, there isnt a GREAT amount of homework on the BTEC, although make no mistake, you will have it regularly, some of the units in the BTEC crossover with the A+ 2006 objectives, plus your mum will be more than happy to help you prepare for the A+, being certified herself.

Are you sure your course is 5 days a week? the first year of mine was only 3 days a week, 4 in the second year

I dont think you should do the MCDST now, as im sure it requires at least a years work experience before anyone should think about doing it? someone else can confirm that for you

As for e-learning, like most of the others on here, im on the 'self study' bandwagon, especially at your age, plus a college education is free, as opposed to the £5000 you'll have to hand over to a training provider

i dont know if your considering university, but the BTEC will give you more than enough UCAS points assuming you dont scrape passes all year

So yeah, in short, do the BTEC and A+ together, thats what i would have done if i knew the A+ existed when i was at college

if you want to know anything more about the course, lemmie know

 

I would speak to the advisors at the colleges and schools. I would aim for a HND or a Degree. You need to accumulate enough UCAS points as has been said in order to apply to these courses, the standard way is with A levels but I think BTEC qualifications at the right level also count.

 

an Advanced BTEC (such as the systems support one) = 3 A Levels

FTW

 

Wish i had known this

Id deffo do that

 

Go with what Ken says

You are only 16 ask if you can do part time or weekend work at the company it will give you money whilst youre at college

If you do that youll be getting experience and qualifications and that will give you a very good chance in the future

 

Tuition for most courses for under 18's in the UK is Free.
May be worth undertaking the BTEC & also look to do other CompTIA courses like A+ in the evenings or weekends.