The CompTIA A+ course has two specialist sections - you need to pass exams in both specialities to be considered A+ compliant. Once you start your A+ training program you will develop an understanding of how to build, fix, repair and work in antistatic conditions. Diagnostic techniques and fault finding are also on the syllabus, as is remote access. Perhaps you see yourself as a man or woman who works in a multi-faceted environment - supporting, fixing and maintaining networks, build on A+ with Network+, or alternatively look at doing an MCSA or MCSE with Microsoft as you'll need a deeper understanding of how networks function.

Those that are drawn to this type of work often have a very practical outlook on work, and won't enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If this could be you, try the newer style of interactive study, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. Our ability to remember is increased when we use multiple senses - learning experts have been saying this for years now.

The latest audio-visual interactive programs featuring instructor demo's and practice lab's will beat books every time. And you'll actually enjoy doing them. It's very important to see some example materials from your chosen company. They have to utilise video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

You should avoid purely online training. Physical CD or DVD ROM materials are preferable where possible, so that you have access at all times - you don't want to be reliant on your broadband being 'up' 100 percent of the time.

Being a part of progressive developments in new technology really is electrifying. Your actions are instrumental in defining the world to come. Technological changes and communication via the web will noticeably affect our lives over the coming years; profoundly so.

The regular IT professional throughout Britain can demonstrate that they earn significantly more than his or her counterpart in another industry. Typical wages are around the top of national league tables. As the IT industry keeps increasing year on year, it's likely that the requirement for appropriately qualified IT professionals will continue to boom for decades to come.

Frequently, a typical IT hopeful doesn't know in what direction to head in IT, let alone what area is worth considering for retraining. How can we possibly grasp what is involved in a particular job when it's an alien environment to us? Often we don't know someone who works in that sector anyway. Reflection on many areas is imperative if you want to get to the right answers:

* Personalities play an important part - what kind of areas spark your interest, and what are the activities that ruin your day.

* Are you driven to re-train because of a certain reason - for instance, is it your goal to work based at home (self-employment?)?

* Is the money you make further up on your list of priorities than other requirements.

* Some students don't fully understand the time involved to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* You need to appreciate the differences between all the training areas.

In all honesty, the only way to seek advice on these matters is through a chat with someone that has a background in computing (and more importantly the commercial needs and requirements.)

A useful feature offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is designed to help you get your first commercial position. Having said that, occasionally people are too impressed with this facility, as it is actually not that hard for a well trained and motivated person to get a job in the IT industry - as there is such a shortage of well trained people.

Get your CV updated straight-away though (advice can be sought on this via your provider). Don't procrastinate and leave it for when you're ready to start work. Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is far better than not even being known about. A surprising amount of junior support roles are offered to students (sometimes when they've only just got going.) Generally, you'll receive better results from a specialist locally based employment agency than you'll get from a training provider's employment division, because they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

A good number of trainees, apparently, invest a great deal of time on their training course (sometimes for years), and just give up when it comes to looking for their first job. Promote yourself... Do everything you can to get in front of employers. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

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