If we didn't have a regular deluge of qualified PC and network support staff, commerce in the United Kingdom (as elsewhere) could well run into problems. We have a constantly increasing demand for men and women with technical ability to support both the systems and the users themselves. Whilst we are getting massively more dependent on our PC's, we also emerge as increasingly dependent on the well trained networking professionals, who maintain those systems.

When was the last time you considered your job security? For most of us, this only rears its head when we get some bad news. But really, The cold truth is that our job security has gone the way of the dodo, for the vast majority of people. Of course, a sector experiencing fast growth, with a constant demand for staff (because of an enormous shortage of properly qualified workers), enables the possibility of proper job security.

The IT skills deficit around Great Britain currently stands at approx twenty six percent, according to the most recent e-Skills survey. Essentially, we can't properly place more than just three out of every 4 jobs in the computing industry. This troubling idea clearly demonstrates the requirement for more properly qualified IT professionals throughout the UK. With the market expanding at such a rate, there really isn't any other sector worth looking at for a new future.

Commercial qualifications are now, very visibly, already replacing the traditional academic paths into IT - so why is this happening? Industry is now aware that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, the right accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is far more effective and specialised - saving time and money. Clearly, a certain degree of relevant additional information has to be learned, but essential specifics in the particular job function gives a vendor educated person a huge edge.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty: Accredited IT qualifications give employers exactly what they're looking for - the title says it all: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Windows XP Administration and Configuration'. Therefore an employer can identify just what their needs are and which qualifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.

Finding your first job in the industry is often made easier if you're supported with a Job Placement Assistance program. Having said that, occasionally people are too impressed with this facility, for it's relatively easy for any focused and well taught person to land a job in this industry - because there's a great need for qualified personnel.

Whatever you do, avoid waiting until you have qualified before polishing up your CV. The day you start training, enter details of your study programme and tell people about it! Getting your CV considered is better than being rejected. A surprising amount of junior positions are given to people (who've only just left first base.) The best services to help get you placed are generally specialised and independent recruitment consultants. As they're keen to place you to receive their commission, they have more incentive to get on with it.

Essentially, if you put as much hard work into finding a job as into studying, you won't have any problems. A number of trainees inexplicably put hundreds of hours into their learning program and then just stop once certified and would appear to think that businesses will just discover them.

A knowledgeable and professional advisor (in direct contrast to a salesman) will ask questions and seek to comprehend your current situation. This is paramount to understanding your study start-point. In some circumstances, the level to start at for a trainee with experience can be substantially dissimilar to someone without. It's usual to start with some basic PC skills training first. It can brush up on your current abilities and make the learning curve a much easier going.

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