getting into IT and Computeach etc

[Westindieman]

Have any of you guys any experience of Computeach or companies that offer what they do? One of the guys in my office has one of their reps visiting him tonight and I have pre-warned him that its not all its cracked up to be.
I went through this same process a couple of years back and was made to feel that I was one of the select few that they would accept. I remember talking to a friend I had who runs his own IT business who said there wasnt as many positions available as these companies make out and its not as easy to get work as they say. I didnt go through with it.

[Alun]

I started a computeach course several years back, although family issues prevented me from completing it, I did the first 3 or 4 assignments, got fantastic results (bit of own trumpet blowing here) and found the on-line course tutors and mentors to be there and helpful when required.

I do know that it culminated in a week long residential 'networking' session where all the job oppurtunties were laid before you. I seem to remember them pretty much guaranteeing you a job, but that could have been tea boy or something.

Not sure I'd go back to them

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Westindieman

Have any of you guys any experience of Computeach or companies that offer what they do? One of the guys in my office has one of their reps visiting him tonight and I have pre-warned him that its not all its cracked up to be.
I went through this same process a couple of years back and was made to feel that I was one of the select few that they would accept. I remember talking to a friend I had who runs his own IT business who said there wasnt as many positions available as these companies make out and its not as easy to get work as they say. I didnt go through with it.

I did my CCNA via SkillsTrain they were very helpful, sent all the material needed, had dedicated call lines when I needed any help, went to a week class for hands on experience then the exam, our whole class (15 or so people) failed the exam, you get free retests if you take it within a certain number of days.

Obviously a certification will not guarantee you a job in a field, experience is a key factor, but it sure helps to take a course. Problem is qualifications are becoming more and more common and the number of jobs is going down, so obviously you cant be guaranteed a position on the basis of a certification.

Generally they're not too bad for going through, expensive if you have to pay yourself, but all in all they do provide a good service.
Usually if you can get a company to pay for it, its a lot better, and they will often send you on retakes every so often to keep you up to date.

[emporer]

I have considered things such as this but imo the market is totally over saturated now, too many people and not enough jobs!!

[t1nt1n]

Hmm, I'm just getting out. IT isn't all it's cracked up to be and I would say only go for it if you really like IT. There aren't as many jobs as people make out, sorry.

[eric pisch]

Originally Posted by t1nt1n

Hmm, I'm just getting out. IT isn't all it's cracked up to be and I would say only go for it if you really like IT. There aren't as many jobs as people make out, sorry.

Going to be alot worse when BSF is finished and the 30,000 odd network managers and a fair few 000s technicians are out of work as well

[DVD-Man]

Originally Posted by eric pisch

Going to be alot worse when BSF is finished and the 30,000 odd network managers and a fair few 000s technicians are out of work as well

What is BSF where you come from?

Liam

[ufitsy]

Originally Posted by DVD-Man

What is BSF where you come from?

Liam

I guess its schools for the future

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/managem...dbuilding/bsf/

[itsamac]

Originally Posted by t1nt1n

Hmm, I'm just getting out. IT isn't all it's cracked up to be and I would say only go for it if you really like IT. There aren't as many jobs as people make out, sorry.

I agree. IT is not the cash cow it used to be. I am still in IT as I enjoy it and that would be my advice, do a job you really enjoy and let the rest fall into play. You will excel in a role you enjoy rather than one that just pays the bills.

Just my 2p

[SeanT]

You DO need to be good at it. You DON'T need any qualifications to get in if you are good. So don't bother doing the quals if you can't pick it up and run with it....

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by SeanT

You DO need to be good at it. You DON'T need any qualifications to get in if you are good. So don't bother doing the quals if you can't pick it up and run with it....

You DO need the opportunity to prove yourself.



And getting that is the hard part.

[pbirkett]

Originally Posted by eric pisch

Going to be alot worse when BSF is finished and the 30,000 odd network managers and a fair few 000s technicians are out of work as well

The schools will still need someone there to support all of the equipment they are putting in, though. I can't see that many jobs being lost after its implementation.

Incidentally, I agree that IT is a pretty rubbish industry to get into, particularly now... although it depends on where you go and whether your face fits. I've been in my job for 9 years and there are no prospects for me, yet I've seen others come in, who are bordering on incompetent, and have already had promotions and payrises, which is really funny, I dont think

If you can get into such a place (think, council), and you are good at brown nosing or have the kind of face that managers like, then maybe you will go far without much effort If you are anything like me, not afraid to speak your mind and refuse to be trodden on, then good luck, you'll need it!

Personally I strongly recommend another career.

[andykn]

Originally Posted by pbirkett

If you can get into such a place (think, council), and you are good at brown nosing or have the kind of face that managers like, then maybe you will go far without much effort If you are anything like me, not afraid to speak your mind and refuse to be trodden on, then good luck, you'll need it!

Personally I strongly recommend another career.

Other careers are the same. You're better off being at the bottom of the heap doing something you enjoy.

[FaxFan2002]

I must be the only person on this forum who enjoys being in IT - true I've had ups and downs (before anyone posts a link to me hating IT) - but overall it has been pretty good and you get decent recognition for doing a good job. Sometimes you have to do a bit of brown nosing and do things you don't agree with because business decisions sometimes dictate that.

And trust me, get into the right places and it can be a real cash cow

[mjn]

Originally Posted by pbirkett

If you are anything like me, not afraid to speak your mind and refuse to be trodden on, then good luck, you'll need it.

Know where you're coming from there.