RossBarnfield

Hello, I'm a 17 year old lad who's been VERY interested and, some people say, 'talented' in I.T. for years now.

I have been out of work (except agency temping work) for quite a while now, since I left high school in 2003.

I have looked into going to Brighton City College to do a NAtional Diploma for IT Prractitioners, level 3 course. Only to find there are no places, understandably as it's late in the year.

I have also looked for apprenticeships in I.T. or trainee roles, none of which I could find.

I have recently been hovering around the Computeach website and options, is this a good move to make?

I would really appreciate any help, I have always been into PC Support related projects, so more on the hardware side. But I am thinking of looking into programming training.

Could anyone please give me any pointers as to what I should be doing/applying for?

Thanks in advance.

Madcatz

personally, I prefer to stay away from online computer training websites, a good portion of them are not what they seem and are really just scams.

If your looking for quick training, try new horizons, its an actual company, and they also are test centers for most IT tests, they also do some online learning also. http://www.newhorizons.com/content/index.aspx?n=y

But, places like that do not give you a degree, its just a tech school to learn and then take the certification test. Employers want certifications, but they alway want a degree or experience to back it up, at least thats how it is in the U.S.

RossBarnfield

Yes, you are right, Madcatz. Thanks for the reply.

Employers do want experience, but how can I gain any if no-one will give me a job in the first place. I have alot of experience, but mainly with family and people I know.

Madcatz

Well, its not easy starting out, but its usually easiest to get into a retail computer repair shop, tech support job, or if you can go out and get the A+ certification, that will help out in getting a repair job at non retail repair shops.

RossBarnfield

Ok, thanks Mc.

I have actually just seen a trainee position for an IT support role at a repair shop so I'll keep you posted as to how that one goes.

Any ideas of anything I could say that might help swing it in my favour?

Madcatz

just make sure to tell them that your going to take classes, but for a trainee spot, am not really sure other than that. Just make sure to smile, look them in the eye, and don't be nervous, if they ask you any qustions that they are looking for a negative response, answer it, but turn it into something positive

RossBarnfield

Thanks for the advice, Mc.