UK Cisco Support Training Compared
View PDF | Print View
by: Jason Kendall
Total views: 28
Word Count: 815
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2010 Time: 12:30 PM
0 comments
CCNA is the usual starting point for all Cisco training. This teaches you how to handle maintaining and installing routers. The internet is made up of many routers, and large companies that have various regional departments utilise them to connect their computer networks.
To take this course, you should be clear on the operation and function of computer networks, as networks are built with routers. If not, the chances are you'll fall behind. Better to look for a course covering the basics in networking - perhaps Network+ and A+, and then do a CCNA course. Look for a training provider that can offer this as a career package.
Find a bespoke training program that will systematically go through everything to make sure that you've mastered the necessary skills and knowledge prior to embarking on the Cisco skills.
Getting your first commercial position can be a little easier with a Job Placement Assistance facility. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it isn't unusual for eager sales people to make too much of it. The fact of the matter is, the massive skills shortage in Britain is what will make you attractive to employers.
However, don't wait till you have qualified before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start a course, mark down what you're doing and place it on jobsites!
Having the possibility of an interview is more than not being known. A surprising amount of junior support jobs are bagged by people (sometimes when they've only just got going.)
Normally you'll get better results from a specialised and independent local recruitment service than you will through a course provider's employment division, as they'll know the area better.
A big aggravation of many course providers is how hard people are prepared to work to become certified, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the position they have trained for. Don't give up when the best is yet to come.
Now, why is it better to gain qualifications from the commercial sector rather than more traditional academic qualifications gained through schools and Further Education colleges?
The IT sector is of the opinion that for an understanding of the relevant skills, the right accreditation supplied for example by Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance - for much less time and money.
Higher education courses, for instance, clog up the training with too much background study - and a syllabus that's too generalised. Students are then held back from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.
Put yourself in the employer's position - and you wanted someone who could provide a specific set of skills. What should you do: Wade your way through a mass of different academic qualifications from hopeful applicants, having to ask what each has covered and which commercial skills they have, or choose a specific set of accreditations that specifically match what you're looking for, and make your short-list from that. Your interviews are then about personal suitability - rather than establishing whether they can do a specific task.
Authorised exam simulation and preparation packages are crucial - and must be obtained from your training company.
Often students can get thrown by trying to prepare themselves with questions that don't come from official boards. Often, the way questions are phrased can be quite different and it's important to prepare yourself for this.
Ensure that you ask for testing modules so you can test your understanding whenever you need to. Simulations of exams will help to boost your attitude - then you won't be quite so nervous at the actual exam.
An important area that is sometimes not even considered by potential students considering a training program is that of 'training segmentation'. This is essentially how the program is broken down into parts for delivery to you, which can make a dramatic difference to where you end up.
Students often think it makes sense (when study may take one to three years to achieve full certification,) for many training providers to send out a single section at a time, until you've passed all the exams. But:
What if for some reason you don't get to the end of every single section? What if you don't find their order of learning is ideal for you? Because of nothing that's your fault, you may go a little slower and consequently not get all your materials.
To be in the best situation you would have all your study materials sent to your home before you even start; the whole caboodle! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect your capacity to get everything done.
About the Author
Written by Scott Edwards. Hop over to Click HERE or CCNA Training.
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
