If it weren't for a continuous flood of knowledgeable computer and network support staff, commercial enterprise in the United Kingdom (as elsewhere) would be likely to be drawn to a standstill. We have a constantly increasing demand for technically able people to support both the systems and the users themselves. The hunger for the above mentioned individuals is constantly growing, as everywhere we work becomes vastly more technologically advanced.

OK, why ought we to be looking at commercial certification and not traditional academic qualifications taught at the state educational establishments? With university education costs becoming a tall order for many, alongside the IT sector's growing opinion that vendor-based training is often far more commercially relevant, we have seen a large rise in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe certified training paths that supply key solutions to a student for much less time and money. In essence, students are simply taught the necessary specifics in depth. It isn't quite as lean as that might sound, but the principle remains that students need to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (alongside some required background) - without going into too much detail in all sorts of other things (as universities often do).

The crux of the matter is this: Commercial IT certifications let employers know exactly what you're capable of - it says what you do in the title: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently employers can look at their needs and what certifications are required to fulfil that.

Many training companies only provide basic 9am till 6pm support (maybe a little earlier or later on certain days); It's rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. Be wary of any training providers who use 'out-of-hours' call-centres - with the call-back coming in during standard office hours. It's no use when you're stuck on a problem and need help now.

Top training companies use multiple support centres around the globe in several time-zones. They use an online interactive interface to seamlessly link them all, no matter what time you login, help is at hand, without any problems or delays. Never settle for a lower level of service. 24x7 support is the only viable option for technical training. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; usually though, we're out at work during the provided support period.

Validated exam preparation packages are crucial - and must be obtained from your training company. Students regularly can get thrown by practicing questions for their exams that are not from official sources. Often, the terminology in the real exams is startlingly different and it's important to prepare yourself for this. Why don't you analyse whether you're learning enough by doing tests and mock ups of exams to prepare you for taking the actual exam.

Many trainers offer a Job Placement Assistance facility, to help you into your first commercial role. The fact of the matter is it isn't a complex operation to find employment - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; the shortage of IT personnel in Britain looks after that.

However, what is relevant is to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; additionally, we would recommend everybody to update their CV right at the beginning of their training - don't delay for when you're ready to start work. Many junior support jobs have been bagged by trainees who are still studying 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, a specialist locally based employment agency (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) will perform better than any division of a training company. Also of course they should be familiar with the area and local employers better.

Not inconsiderable numbers of people, so it seems, invest a great deal of time on their training course (for years sometimes), only to do nothing special when trying to get a job. Market yourself... Do your best to put yourself out there. Good jobs don't just knock on your door.

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