With so many computer courses to choose from, it can be mind-boggling to know which ones best. Go for one that's on a par with your abilities and personality, and that will be a useful asset in the working environment. There's a wide range of courses to choose from. Some people get started on User Skills from Microsoft, whilst others want to get their teeth into Programming, Web Design, Networking or Databases - and all can be catered for. But don't rush into it, you don't have to decide alone. Why not get help from an expert who has experience of the IT economy, and can steer you in the right direction.

By taking advantage of the latest training methods and abolishing out-dated approaches, you'll soon become familiar with a new style of training company supplying a better brand of computer training and back-up for hundreds of pounds less.

Being a part of the leading edge of new technology is as thrilling as it comes. You personally play your part in defining the world to come. We are really only just beginning to get to grips with how this will truly impact our way of life. The way we interact with the world will be massively affected by computers and the internet.

The money in IT isn't to be sniffed at also - the usual income throughout Britain for the usual IT employee is considerably higher than the national average. It's a good bet you'll bring in quite a bit more than you'd typically expect to bring in elsewhere. It would appear there's no end in sight for IT growth throughout this country. The market sector is continuing to expand rapidly, and with the skills shortage of over 26 percent that we're experiencing, it's highly unlikely that this will change significantly for decades to come.

A subtle way that training providers make more money is through up-front charges for exams and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams. This looks like a great idea for the student, until you think it through:

These days, we're a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and generally we grasp that we are actually being charged for it (it's not a freebie because they like us so much!) It's well known in the industry that when trainees fund each progressive exam, one after the other, they'll be in a better position to pass every time - as they are conscious of their payment and their application will be greater.

Doesn't it make more sense to hold on to your money and pay for the exam when you take the exam, not to pay any mark-up to the college, and to do it in a local testing office - rather than in some remote centre? A surprising number of questionable training providers net big margins because they're getting paid for all the exam fees up-front and hoping either that you won't take them, or it will be a long time before you do. Don't forget, in the majority of cases of 'exam guarantees' - the company controls how often and when you can re-take the exam. You'll have to prove conclusively that you can pass before they'll pay for another exam.

Exams taken at local centres are approximately 112 pounds in the United Kingdom today. What's the point of paying huge charges for 'Exam Guarantees' (most often hidden in the package) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

A useful feature provided by many trainers is a Job Placement Assistance program. The service is put in place to assist your search for your first position. The honest truth is that it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to secure the right work - as long as you've got the necessary skills and qualifications; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

However, what is relevant is to have CV and Interview advice and support though; additionally, we would recommend everyone to update their CV as soon as they start a course - don't procrastinate and leave it until you've graduated or passed any exams. A good number of junior support roles have been bagged by trainees who are still learning and have still to get qualified. This will at the very least get your CV into the 'possible' pile and not the 'no' pile. If you'd like to get employment in your home town, then you'll often find that a specialist independent regional recruitment consultant or service may be more appropriate than the trainer's recruitment division, as they're far more likely to know what's available near you.

A regular frustration for a number of training providers is how hard men and women are prepared to work to pass exams, but how little effort that student will then put into getting the job they've qualified for. Have confidence - the IT industry needs YOU.

A capable and specialised advisor (as opposed to a salesman) will want to thoroughly discuss your current level of ability and experience. This is vital for working out your starting level of study. With a little real-world experience or some accreditation, you may find that your starting point is now at a different level to a new student. If this is your initial stab at studying for an IT examination then you should consider whether to begin with some basic PC skills training first.