If you're searching for IT training providers, it's logical that you are looking for some options of who to train with. So let's put in writing a few statements to check we're on the same wavelength, and then look at the choices available:



* You're interested in studying to get a job.

* You're in search of quality training that's thorough and doesn't miss anything out so you'll feel capable in your new job.

* You want to be short-listed for interview so this qualification should be the best one for industry.

* Ideally you would like a provider who can offer you the right advice, quality training, decent support, and whose charges are reasonable.

So where should you start? Assuming you're looking to maximise your employability factor, it's probably best to ignore Universities for this market sector. This may be questionable news for you to hear, but let me explain. Degrees tend to be too academic and not specific enough for today's IT jobs. You can prove this statement yourself, just look at any of the Jobsites and you'll see that the majority of employers are looking for commercial qualifications.

Where can I find training for commercial qualifications? Historically there are two routes:

One option is Boot Camps. These are very intensive 10 to 14 week brain bending training sessions that are set up for people to pass qualifications quickly. If you're sharp and good at learning, and totally commit all your spare time over that period, they will.

However, employers are often not impressed with Boot Camp students as they don't really have a good enough understanding of their skill to handle some of the day to day challenges thrown up in industry.

Most of your classmates on these types of courses are experienced IT professionals who use them to upgrade their skills, so they're already starting with a good understanding of the subject.

Your other option has typically been the Distance Learning College, using study books and reference manuals and occasional trips to a classroom. It is possible to be successful on these courses, but you'll need steely drive and commitment. It's a fact most of these colleges couldn't make a profit if large numbers of their students didn't drop out on the way, so just imagine how good their support will be.

How can I Measure Training Providers...

Judge for yourself whether you can learn from their training materials - insist on seeing a sample and take five minutes to go through it. If strangely there's some reason why you can't do this, our advice would be to walk away.

At the times you plan to study you'll need access to tutors, not a message system for a call back later in office hours, so please find out exactly how their support works and make sure it will suit the way you plan to work.

Be carful of companies who include exam fees in the price up-front. These exams may be spread over the next two years, so why pay interest on the money? This is not in your interest. The only benefit is to the company, as you won't get it back if you don't take them all!

If this insight into IT training is leaving you feeling a little flat, we now have a refreshing alternative. Cutting-edge interactive learning has come of age, and can deliver state-of-the-art training to more than match the traditional colleges. There are now companies that have paired this with genuine 27/7 support, and created the ultimate IT training package.