How can job security honestly exist anymore? In a marketplace like the UK, where business constantly changes its mind whenever it suits, it seems increasingly unlikely. But a sector experiencing fast growth, where staff are in constant demand (as there is a massive shortfall of trained professionals), creates the conditions for lasting job security.

Investigating the computer industry, a key e-Skills survey brought to light a more than 26 percent deficit in trained staff. To put it another way, this means that the UK is only able to source 3 trained people for each 4 job positions available currently. Fully skilled and commercially certified new staff are accordingly at a total premium, and it seems it will continue to be so for a long time to come. It's unlikely if a better time or market conditions is ever likely to exist for getting trained into this swiftly emerging and budding industry.

The 'CCNA' exam (640/802) can be broken down into its two constituent parts: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 and Part 2, or 'ICND1' (640-822) and 'ICND2' (640-816). An alternate name for Part 1 is Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician or CCENT if abbreviated. All these abbreviations do nothing to simplify matters for the individual coming into I.T., but the most simple bit of advice is generally to look at the CCNA 640-802 as a combined qualification. 'Cisco' trainees will find it particularly beneficial to start off their training with the 'CompTIA' accreditations A+ & Network+ . That will give them excellent vendor-neutral training before getting in to the 'Cisco' field itself. A blended training-package such as this should take approximately twelve months to finish if studying part time. Technical IT training programs should always offer you solid professional support. Be sure you select one with 24 hour, instant response service. Add-in all-inclusive multimedia tutorial materials, and a good exam-preparation system and you will be prepared for success.

Any advisor who doesn't dig around with lots of question - the likelihood is they're really a salesperson. If they push a particular product before looking at your personality and current experience level, then it's very likely to be the case. If you've got a strong background, or perhaps a bit of live experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then obviously your starting point will be quite dissimilar from someone who is just starting out. Opening with a user skills program first will sometimes be the most effective way to start into your computer program, depending on your skill level at the moment.

'In-Centre' days are often sold as a big positive benefit by some training companies. If you talk to many IT trainees that have tried them out, you'll discover that they're really a waste of time due to many reasons:

- Frequent travelling - very long trips usually.

- Workshop access; normally weekdays only and two or three days in a row. It's not easy to get the leave of absence.

- And let's not overlook the lost holiday days. Often, we get 4 weeks off each year. If half is given up to classes, then it doesn't leave much for us and our families.

- Training classes normally reach their maximum intake very quickly, leaving us with something that we don't really want.

- Many students want to study at a somewhat more suitable pace - rather than be dictated to by the rest of the class. This creates a classic case of 'classroom tension'.

- Add up the cost of all the petrol, fares, accommodation, food and parking and you could be in for a major shock. Trainees talk of increased costs of hundreds to thousands of pounds over time. Work it out - and you'll see how.

- You should never risk the chance of letting yourself be side-stepped for advancement or pay-rises because you're getting trained in a different area.

- Surely, all of us at some time have shied away from raising a hand in the air, because we wanted to fit in?

- It should be remembered that workshops frequently become virtually undoable, when you live away for some of the month.

The ultimate convenience rests with watching a videoed lesson - with instructor-led learning available whenever you wish. You can study at home on your desktop computer or why not in the garden on a laptop. If you have any questions, then utilise the 24x7 Support (that should come with any technical program.) Simply do the elements as many times as you want or need. And of course, you don't have to take notes as you have access to the class forever. The final outcome: Much less stress and hassle, more money in the bank, and no travelling or long journeys.

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