PC and network support staff are more and more in demand in the United Kingdom, as organisations are becoming more reliant upon their knowledge and ability to fix and repair. Due to the progressively multifaceted levels of technological advances, greater numbers of trained staff are being looked for to look after the smooth operation of functions we've come to rely on.

Every program under consideration has to build towards a nationally accepted accreditation as an end-result - and not some unimportant 'in-house' diploma - fit only for filing away and forgetting. Only nationally recognised accreditation from the major players like Microsoft, CompTIA, Adobe and Cisco will mean anything to employers.

We'd hazard a guess that you're quite practically minded - the 'hands-on' individual. Usually, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll make yourself do if you have to, but you really wouldn't enjoy it. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if learning from books is not your thing. Our ability to remember is increased when multiple senses are involved - learning experts have been saying this for decades now.

Find a course where you'll receive a selection of CD and DVD based materials - you'll start with videos of instructor demonstrations, with the facility to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions. It would be silly not to view a small selection of training examples before you hand over your cheque. The minimum you should expect would be instructor-led video demonstrations and a variety of audio-visual and interactive sections.

It is generally unwise to choose training that is only available online. Because of the variable quality and reliability of the ISP (internet service provider) market, it makes sense to have physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

Don't accept anything less than accredited simulation materials and an exam preparation system included in your course. Because most IT examination boards are American, you must be prepared for the way exams are phrased. It isn't good enough merely understanding random questions - they must be in an exam format that exactly replicates the real thing. For many reasons, it's essential to make sure you're completely ready for your final certified exam prior to going for it. Practicing mock-up exams logs the information in your brain and will avoid you getting frustrated with thwarted exam entries.

Qualifications from the commercial sector are now, without a doubt, taking over from the traditional routes into the IT industry - so why has this come about? As demand increases for knowledge about more and more complex technology, the IT sector has moved to specific, honed-in training that can only be obtained from the actual vendors - that is companies like CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA. This usually turns out to involve less time and financial outlay. In essence, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It's slightly more broad than that, but principally the objective has to be to focus on the exact skills required (including a degree of required background) - without overdoing the detail in every other area (as academia often does).

It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the tin'. Companies need only to know what areas need to be serviced, and then advertise for someone with the specific certification. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.

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