In first place for the biggest issue to be got round for IT trainees is a requirement to attend multiple workshop days. Most trainers extol the virtues of the so-called 'benefits' of these classes, usually though, they end up as a growing difficulty due to:

- Lots of centre visits - sometimes hundreds of miles each and every time.

- Weekday accessibility with classes is usual, and with 2-3 days to book off work, this causes a lot of problems for most working students.

- Let's not disregard lost holiday time. Usually we're lucky to have 20 days holiday per year. If over 50 percent is used in classes, then it doesn't leave much for us and our families.

- 'In-Centre' workshop days normally get fully subscribed quite quickly, giving us the only option of the '2nd best' solution.

- You may prefer to move at a slower or quicker pace than the rest of the class. This creates a classic case of 'classroom tension'.

- Never forget the extra financial outlay of driving or several days accommodation either. Don't be surprised to find this become a lot of money - from hundreds to thousands. Work it out - you may be surprised.

- Is it worth any chance of getting overlooked for advancement or wage increases because your employer knows you're retraining.

- We all find it difficult to ask questions in a class full of our fellow trainees - who wants to look like they're the only one who doesn't get it?

- Typically, events are pretty much undoable, where you work elsewhere in the country for some part of the year.

Many students discover a more flexible approach is to employ pre-made classes in the comfort of your own home - at a time that's convenient to you - not some other person. You can study anywhere you want. If you've got a laptop, why not catch a bit of fresh air in your garden as you learn. Any difficulties and use the provided 24x7 live support. You have the ability to re-watch and re-cover the modules as many times as you need to prep for an exam. And of course, you don't have to jot down any notes because you'll always have access to the teaching. The final result: Reduced stress, saved money, and absolutely no travelling.

Generally, the starting place for a complete novice, who simply wants to gain a fundamental idea of how to get the most out of their computer, is the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Nearly all home computers operate on a system called Microsoft 'Windows', and the "ECDL" details how you can operate its standard basic components. You can expect to understand how to log on to the internet, and the way to access and navigate websites and manage email. This program also introduces you to word-processing, spreadsheets and databases.

The next step is to gain a bit more formalised training to boost your CV or get you prepared for additional functions in the office. A competent working expertise in 'Microsoft Office' would be the next reasonable step. The two industry recognised accreditation courses are 'MOS' ('Microsoft Office Specialist') and MCAS (Microsoft 'Certified Application Specialist'). Whereas the first features the MS 'Office' 2003 environment in Windows XP, the second features Windows Vista & Office 2007. XP continues to be most common in industry, but Vista might be more future-proof. You will find separate examinations for each which go into "Excel" for 'spreadsheets', "Access" for 'databases', PowerPoint for 'presentations' and 'Word' for word-processing. The benefit of having these certifications is they confirm your in depth competency level for working with these packages.

The market provides an excess of professional positions up for grabs in the IT industry. Finding the particular one for yourself is generally problematic. Because without any previous experience in IT, how should we possibly understand what someone in a particular job does? Achieving a well-informed resolution only comes via a meticulous study covering many unique areas:

- Your personality type plus what interests you - what work-related things you love or hate.

- Are you hoping to get qualified for a specific reason - e.g. are you pushing to work from home (being your own boss?)?

- Is the money you make further up on your wish list than other factors.

- Understanding what the main IT types and markets are - including what sets them apart.

- What effort, commitment and time you're prepared to put into obtaining your certification.

To completely side-step the industry jargon, and find what'll really work for you, have an in-depth discussion with an industry-experienced advisor; a person who appreciates and can explain the commercial realities and of course the accreditations.

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