Almost exclusively, Adobe Dreamweaver is the first base for all web designers. It's reputed to be the most used web-development environment in the world. For applications in the commercial world you should have a full understanding of the whole Adobe Web Creative Suite. This means also (but isn't limited to) Flash and Action Script. Should you have ambitions to become an ACP (Adobe Certified Professional) or an ACE (Adobe Certified Expert) then such knowledge is non-negotiable.

Getting to grips with how to create a website is only the beginning. Traffic creation, content maintenance and programming database-driven sites are the next things. Consider training programmes that also cover these skills for example HTML, PHP and database engines like MySQL, alongside E-Commerce and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) skills.

Trainees eager to get a career in IT normally aren't sure which direction is best, or which market to get qualified in. As having no solid background in IT, how can most of us know what someone in a particular job does? To work through this, there should be a discussion of many different aspects:

* Your personality type plus what interests you - what work-centred jobs you like and dislike.

* Are you looking to realise a key dream - for example, becoming self-employed in the near future?

* How highly do you rate salary - is it very important, or do you place job satisfaction a little higher on your list of priorities?

* Always think in-depth about the level of commitment required to get fully certified.

* You have to understand what differentiates each individual training area.

To cut through the confusing industry jargon, and uncover the best path to success, have an informal chat with an advisor with years of experience; a person that will cover the commercial realities and truth as well as the certifications.

Review the following facts in detail if you're inclined to think the sales ploy of a guarantee for your exam looks like a reason to buy:

We all know that we're ultimately paying for it - it's not so hard to see that it's been inserted into the overall figure from the course provider. It's absolutely not free (although some people will believe anything the marketing companies think up these days!) Qualifying on the first 'go' is what everyone wants to do. Going for exams in order and paying for them just before taking them has a marked effect on pass-rates - you prepare appropriately and are conscious of what you've spent.

Go for the best offer you can find when you're ready, and keep hold of your own money. In addition, it's then your choice where to take your exam - so you can find somewhere local. A lot of unscrupulous training providers secure huge profits by charging for exam fees early and hoping that you won't take them all. The majority of companies will require you to do mock exams and with-hold subsequent exam entries from you until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - so an 'Exam Guarantee' comes with many clauses in reality.

VUE and Prometric examinations are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in this country. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in 'Exam Guarantee' fees (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when the best course materials, the right level of support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what's required.

The perhaps intimidating chore of landing your first IT job can be eased because some trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. Having said that, occasionally too much is made of this feature, as it is actually not that hard for a well trained and motivated person to find a job in this industry - because companies everywhere are seeking trained staff.

Help and assistance with preparing a CV and getting interviews might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). It's essential that you work on your old CV right away - don't wait until you've finished your exams! It's not uncommon to find that 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. You'll normally experience better results from a specialist locally based employment agency than any training provider's centralised service, as they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

Many men and women, so it seems, put a great deal of effort into their studies (for years sometimes), and then just stop instead of trying to get a job. Market yourself... Do everything you can to let employers know about you. Don't expect a job to just fall into your lap.

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