Finding the right training course to match commercial requirements is crucially important in this day and age. However, it's equally relevant to find one that you'll enjoy, that matches your abilities and personality. You can select user skills like Microsoft Office packages, or more advanced IT professional certifications. Plain speaking courses will help you to realise your dreams.

State-of-the-art training techniques at last allow students to be educated on a different type of course, that costs significantly less than more outdated courses. The great value of such training programs means anyone can afford them.

You should look for accredited simulation materials and an exam preparation system as part of your course package. Students regularly can be thrown off course by trying to prepare themselves with questions that are not from official boards. It's not uncommon that the phraseology is unfamiliar and it's important to prepare yourself for this. Always request some practice exams so you can check your comprehension whenever you need to. Practice or 'mock' exams add to your knowledge bank - then the actual exam is much easier.

Charging for examinations as an inclusive element of the package price then giving it 'Exam Guarantee' status is a popular marketing tool with a number of training colleges. Consider the facts:

Everybody's aware that they're still footing the bill for it - it's quite obvious to see that it's already been included in the overall price charged by the college. It's absolutely not free - don't think these companies are so generous with their money! It's well known in the industry that if students pay for each progressive exam, at the time of taking them, there's a much better chance they'll qualify each time - since they'll think of the cost and will therefore apply themselves appropriately.

Isn't it outrageous to have to pay the college early for exams? Go for the best offer at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium - and do it locally - not at somewhere of their bidding. Paying in advance for examination fees (and interest charges if you're borrowing money) is a false economy. Resist being talked into filling the training company's account with your money simply to help their cash-flow! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you won't get round to taking them - so they get to keep the extra funds. It's also worth noting that exam guarantees often have very little value. Many training companies will not pay again for an exam until you can prove to them you're ready to pass.

Shelling out hundreds or thousands of pounds on an 'Exam Guarantee' is short-sighted - when hard work, commitment and the right preparation via exam simulations is actually the key to your success.

Many training companies offer a Job Placement Assistance program, to help you into your first commercial role. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it isn't unusual for training companies to make too much of it. At the end of the day, the huge shortage of staff in the UK is the reason you'll find a job.

Nevertheless, don't procrastinate and wait until you have passed your final exams before getting your CV updated. As soon as you start a course, mark down what you're doing and get it out there! It's not unusual to find that you will get your first role while still studying (sometimes when you've only just got going). If your CV doesn't say what you're learning (and it's not being looked at by employers) then you won't even be considered! Normally you'll get quicker service from an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy than any training company's national service, as they'll know local industry and the area better.

Please make sure you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, and then do nothing more and leave it in the hands of the gods to secure your first position. Stand up for yourself and get on with the job. Put the same focus into securing the right position as you did to gain the skills.

Many individuals don't understand what information technology is all about. It is ground-breaking, exciting, and means you're a part of the huge progress of technology that will change our world over the next few decades. We're only just beginning to understand how this will truly impact our way of life. How we communicate and interact with everyone around us will be massively affected by technology and the web.

If earning a good living is up there on your wish list, then you'll appreciate the fact that the usual remuneration of the majority of IT staff is considerably greater than with much of the rest of industry. Excitingly, there's no easing up for IT sector development across Britain. The market continues to grow enormously, and as we have a significant shortage of skilled professionals, it's not showing any signs that it will even slow down for the significant future.