A fraction of the working population in the United Kingdom are enjoying job satisfaction. Of course, most will just stay there. You've reached this paragraph, which if nothing else means that you know it's time to make a change.
Before you make decisions on specific training programs, discuss your thoughts with an industry expert who will be able to guide you on what to look for. Someone who has the ability to ask questions about your likes and dislikes, and find out what types of work suit you:
* Do you like to be around others at work? Perhaps you like being a team player? Or you may prefer task-orientated work that only you know how to deal with?
* What elements are you looking for from the area of industry you choose? - We all know that things have changed, look at building and banking for instance.
* After re-training, how long a career do you hope for, and can the industry you choose provide you with that possibility?
* Will the information you learn allow you to find new work easily, and be gainfully employed until you wish to retire?
A predominant industry in the UK to meet the above criteria is Information Technology. There's a need for more knowledgeable workers in this market, - take a look at any jobsite and you will find them yourself. Don't let people tell you it's only geeky nerds looking at their computerscreens the whole time - there's a lot more to it than that. Most of the people in the computer industry are ordinary people, with well paid and stimulating jobs.
A big contender for the top potential problem for IT students is usually having to turn up to 'In Centre' days or workshops. Most trainers wax lyrical on the plus points of attending, but most students end up finding them a major problem because of:
* Masses of travelling to and from the training centre - usually 100's of miles.
* Getting frequent time off work - most schools can only give weekday availability and often group days together in a clump. This isn't ideal for most people who work, and it's made more problematic when travel time is included.
* And don't overlook the lost vacation days. We typically get twenty days annual leave. If over 50 percent is used in classes, then we aren't going to be doing much vacationing.
* 'In-Centre' days normally become quickly full, meaning we have to accept the '2nd best' solution.
* Many students want to study at a somewhat more suitable pace - rather than be dictated to by the rest of the class. Sometimes this causes a classic case of 'classroom tension'.
* Rising travel prices - driving or taking public transport backwards and forwards to the training facility plus over-night bed and breakfast can cost a lot over several visits. With only five to ten centre-days at a cost of 35 pounds for one over-night room, plus 40 pounds for petrol and food at 15 pounds, we arrive at four to nine hundred pounds of add-on cost.
* Don't risk the chance of being overlooked for potential advancement or wage increases because your employer knows you're retraining.
* It's common to find that, at times, it's uncomfortable to raise questions in a class full of our fellow students - because none of us wants to look like we don't understand.
* When your work takes you away from home, it's a fact of life that days in-centre can become impossible to get to - unfortunately however, the fees were paid along with everything else at the start.
Many students discover a more flexible approach is to use videoed workshops in the comfort of your own home - studying at your own pace, when it suits you - not some other person. You can study at home on your computer or why not in the garden on a laptop. If you've got questions, then get onto the live 24x7 support (that should've been packaged with any technical type of training.) You'll never have to write notes again - every lesson is laid out for you already. And if you want to repeat anything, just do it. Basically: You avoid a bunch of hassle, save money and time, and altogether avoid polluting the environment.
Of course: a training itself or an accreditation isn't the end-goal; a job you're training for is. Far too many training organisations place too much importance on the actual accreditation. Avoid becoming one of those unfortunate students who select a program that seems 'fun' or 'interesting' - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for something they'll never enjoy.
Be honest with yourself about earning potential and how ambitious you are. Usually, this will point the way to what exams will be required and what'll be expected of you in your new role. We advise all students to speak to a skilled advisor before they make a decision on a particular learning programme. This is required to ensure it features what is required for the career path that has been chosen.
