Hi All, need some advice

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Hi All

Just registered, and am looking for some advice.

I want a career change and am looking at doing an IT course.

I've been scouring the internet looking at course and i have an appointment with someone from computeach tomorrow. Not sure if it is a good thing from what i've read. I want to basically becaome a pc/systems engineer. What qualifications would be best. I don't have any sort of budget so would need to do a course that would me pay over time, where would be a good place to do this that can offer good training, is computeach any good. (Are computeach/skillstrain/schiedigger the same).

thanks

sambangert

 

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Hi Welcome

You can do compTIA A+ to become an IT Tech you do not need to do a course all you need is compTIA A+ all in one exam guide 6th edition by Mike Meyers and PC Technician street smarts by James Pyles and an old pc you can take to bits and put back together.

I got those two books and an old pc for £80. Computeach etc will charge you near a grand.

You can ask on here if you need help with any concepts you find hard to understand.

If you prefer a course do one at a college, they will be cheaper than computeach etc.

 

I don't really have time to go to a college, studying at home would be better. With the compTIA A+, would i then be able to get a job. Also would this cover networks as i guess in this day and age, knowledge of networks would be a must.

 

Welcome to the forums...

Why did you choose IT as your new career? Keep in mind, IT is something that will take a lot of your time. From the beginning and throughout one’s career, the learning will never stop.

This isn’t meant to scare anyone - just a reality. With that said most people would suggest going the self-taught method and starting with the A+ certificate.

 

We'll, i'm 28 years old and am currently working as a sales manager in a uk dept store. I've been doing this for around 18 months and really can't see myself doing this for the rest of my life. Ever since i was at school i've always had a keen interest in computers. For different reasons, travelling etc i've never been able to get into the field, and now i realise that i really want to do this.

I'm always playing about with my computer etc. When i bought my computer the casing was all broken so had to get a new case, i basically took it apart and rebuilt it in the new case without any real knowledge on how to do it with no problems at all so i know i have the ability with computers. I'm always fixing friends computers and stuff.

Thats why i want to get into computer lol!!

 

Welcome.

I agree with what has been said already.

Just to add that A+ will not guarantee you a job (no cert will do that I hasten to add); however, it will show any prospective employer that you are willing to learn, and that you possess a basic knowlegde - certianly enough to pass the A+.

All the best.

 

You'll do just fine. Welcome to the herd.

 

I've just read the pinned topic about self study, have many of you done it, did you find it easy, difficult or would you suggest going with a company???? (Sorry if i ask to many questions, just don't want to sheel out loads of money going with a company when i could have done i myself.)

 

I agree with what's already been said - solid advice.

Welcome to the forums!

 

No qualification will gaurantee you a job, but getting a qualification and having no experience in the real world will give you an advantage over someone who has no experience and no qualifications.

Experience in the real world is what really counts in IT.

The A+ covers the basics of a technicians responsibilites and what he/she should know the N+ is all about networking.

The generall rule of thumb is A+, N+ then MCDST but start applying for jobs ASAP and mention you are studying for the A+.

Also don't expect a high wage in IT you need to work you way up.

 

thanks all, i'm gonna look at the comptia a+ self study. Onwards and upwards!!!!!

 

Best of luck

 

Speaking both as a former classroom trainer and a former student, I honestly don't believe that the "instant cert" classroom training courses offer good value. Indeed, I've probably still got several years worth of bad karma to burn off as a result of being involved in that racket.

I'm not sure I'd describe self-study as "easy", but I would say that the results can be very rewarding if you are the self-motivated type.

 

I agree, you can only learn so much in a classroom when there is a time limit on how long you get to study each chapter of the study materials. There is a risk of gaining the certification, without really understanding what you learnt.

 

Hi there and welcome

 

Welcome to CF and good choice on going for the A+ through self study. Best wishes and remember with hard work and determination it can be done.

 

Hi and welcome to CF!

Harry.

 

thanks everyone, i'm sure i'll be back asking for more advice in the future.

 

Great!

One thing I've been trying to persuade my parents is that the certs aren't actually worth more if I do them at some training centre - that is, that the available training centres are hardly likely to give anyone extra brownie points for studying with them.

The classes may help give you some direction, and provide you with some company with the fellow students, but apart from that, you'll be using the equipment you'll have at home, and probably using the same material you'll be revising from at home... so for the price, it's a whole lot of money for not that much more.

For me the best thing about self-study is being able to set your own pace - not be held back by other people who are slower on some topics, and able to spend all the time you need on less familiar subjects.

Anyway, that's my feedback, though I'm joining in rather late!

 

That's the one advantage that a training course does have: meeting other techs and wannabe techs. Often, it's not what you know in IT that gets you the job... it's WHO you know... and that includes front-line, entry-level techs. All it takes is for one of your friends (or distant classmates - I'm not picky! ) to get a job, and you've instantly got an inside track on job opportunities that might pop up at their workplace.

All that said... is it worth paying a ton of money for the chance that you might meet someone that might help you get a job? Probably not, since there are other ways to meet techs in the industry - like... this forum! But it is certainly a factor to consider.