If it weren't for a continuous flood of qualified computer and network support personnel, industry in Great Britain (along with most other places) would be likely to grind to a halt. Therefore, there's an on-going demand for people to support both the systems and the users themselves. As we get to grips with the multifaceted levels of technological advances, growing numbers of qualified workers are being sought to specialise in the smooth operation of functions we've come to rely on.

One useful service that many training companies provide is job placement assistance. The service is put in place to assist your search for your first position. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it's easy for eager sales people to overplay it. The fact of the matter is, the huge shortage of staff in this country is the reason you'll find a job.

Nevertheless, avoid waiting until you've passed your final exams before updating your CV. As soon as your training commences, mark down what you're doing and get promoting! It's not uncommon to find that junior support roles have been offered to people who are in the process of training and have yet to take their exams. This will at the very least get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile. Most often, an independent and specialised local recruitment consultancy - who make their money when they've found you a job - will perform better than any division of a training company. Also of course they should know local industry and the area better.

Certainly be sure that you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, only to stop and expect somebody else to secure your first position. Stand up for yourself and get on with the job. Invest as much focus into securing the right position as it took to get qualified.

It's quite a normal occurrence for students not to check on a vitally important element - how their training provider segments the courseware, and into how many parts. Often, you'll enrol on a course that takes between and 1 and 3 years and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. This may seem sensible until you think about these factors: What if for some reason you don't get to the end of every exam? And what if the order provided doesn't meet your requirements? Due to no fault of yours, you may not meet the required timescales and consequently not get all your materials.

For future safety and flexibility, most students now choose to request that all their modules (now paid for) are couriered out in one package, all at the beginning. You can then decide in which order and at what speed you want to work.

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