Software engineers focusing on systems use languages such as 'C'. The 'C' of today is a low-level user-friendly language which hardly resembles the initial release. Applications-programmers work in many different higher-level 'languages', and there are far too many to list them all, but each will have their own set of instructions & rules - and may suit one task more readily than another. Corporate database-software, for instance, is usually written in languages that suit that particular environment, whereas video games are likely to be written in low-level languages like C - since they have to run as quickly as possible. It really doesn't make any difference if display screen changes take a couple of milliseconds longer with database 'applications', however it matters a whole lot with games applications. We need functions which are intended to make things easier for the database user, consequently a stripped down 'language' for speed is wholly in-appropriate. You could contrast it to the big difference between a racing car & a family-estate. The estate-car provides flexible transportation at the appropriate price and quality, but its never likely to win in a race! For the purpose of taking the young ones from home to school though, it does the job nicely.

One feature that several companies offer is job placement assistance. This is designed to help you get your first commercial position. Don't get overly impressed with this service - it's easy for companies marketing departments to overplay it. The fact of the matter is, the need for well trained IT people in Great Britain is the reason you'll find a job.

However, avoid waiting until you've finished your training before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start a course, mark down what you're doing and get it out there! Having the possibility of an interview is better than being rejected. Many junior support jobs are given to trainees in the early stages of their course. If you don't want to travel too far to work, then it's quite likely that a local (but specialised) recruitment consultancy may work much better for you than some national concern, because they're far more likely to have insider knowledge of local employment needs.

Essentially, as long as you put the same commitment into getting a job as into studying, you're not likely to experience problems. Some people inexplicably invest a great deal of time on their training course and then just stop once certified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

'In-Centre workshop days' get touted as a major benefit by some certification companies. When you chat with many computer industry trainees who've attended a few, you'll find they generally end up being seen as a major problem due to many reasons:

- Lots of round trips - sometimes hundreds of miles at a time.

- Weekday availability with events is usual, and with two or three days required at a time, this can represent quite a problem for the majority of students who work.

- At just 4 weeks off each year, using half of that on educational days often means losing out on family and vacation time.

- Training workshops fill up quickly and will likely end up bigger than you'd hoped.

- A lot of trainees want to work as quickly as possible, but some like to take it easier and not be forced to adopt an uncomfortable speed for them. This will often generate tension a lot of the time.

- And don't forget the extra financial outlay of driving and over-night bed and breakfast either. Don't be surprised to find this become a lot of money - from hundreds to thousands. Take some time to add it all up - you'll be (unpleasantly) surprised.

- Don't risk the possibility of letting yourself be overlooked for a lift up the ladder or pay-rises just because you're retraining.

- Posing questions in the presence of other class-mates can make us a little self-conscious. Would you admit that you've occasionally avoided posing a question because you didn't want to appear stupid?

- Living away for part of your working week - some trainees find they have to work or live away for certain parts of the program. Events are very difficult then, but you've already coughed up the readies when you paid initially.

It would be better to watch a video and gain knowledge from teachers one-on-one from videoed modules, taking them at your convenience - not somebody else's. You can train wherever you want. If you have a laptop, you could catch some fresh air in your garden as you work. Any issues that arise just use the provided 24x7 live support. Modules and lessons can be repeated whenever you feel you need to - doing something over will help you remember it. And note-taking becomes a thing of the past - everything's laid on for you. The final outcome: Reduced hassle and stress, less cost, and absolutely no travelling.

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