Cisco training is the way to go for those who need to know all about routers. Routers hook up computer networks via dedicated lines or the internet. It's likely that you should start with your CCNA. Don't be tempted to go straight for your CCNP as it's a considerable step up - and you'll need the CCNA and experience first to take on this level.

Because routers join up networks, find a course which teaches the basics (maybe the CompTIA Network+, possibly with A+ as well) and then do a CCNA course. You must have a basic grasp of networks before you start a Cisco course or you'll probably struggle. When you've qualified and are on the job market, employers will be looking for networking skills alongside your CCNA.

You'll need a tailored course that takes you on a progressive path to make sure you have the correct skill set and knowledge before embarking on the Cisco skills.

A useful feature that many training companies provide is a programme of Job Placement assistance. It's intention is to steer you into your first IT role. With the growing skills shortage in the United Kingdom right now, there's no need to make too much of this option though. It really won't be that difficult to get employment once you're trained and certified.

However, avoid waiting until you have passed your final exams before polishing up your CV. As soon as your training commences, mark down what you're doing and place it on jobsites! It can happen that you haven't even passed your first exam when you will get your initial junior support role; although this isn't going to happen if your CV isn't in front of employers. The best services to get you a new position are usually independent and specialised local recruitment services. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they're perhaps more focused on results.

Essentially, as long as you put the same commitment into securing a job as into studying, you won't have any problems. Some trainees strangely put hundreds of hours into their course materials and just give up once they've got certified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

A skilled and practiced consultant (in direct contrast to a salesman) will talk through your abilities and experience. This is paramount to establishing the starting point for your education. With a strong background, or sometimes a little commercial experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then it could be that the point from which you begin your studies will be quite dissimilar from a trainee who has no experience. Always consider starting with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first. It will usually make the transition to higher-level learning a a little easier.

Most of us would love to think that our jobs will remain safe and our future is protected, but the growing reality for the majority of jobs throughout Great Britain right now appears to be that security may be a thing of the past. In times of escalating skills deficits coupled with high demand areas however, we almost always discover a newly emerging type of security in the marketplace; driven forward by conditions of continuous growth, businesses struggle to find the influx of staff needed.

Looking at the Information Technology (IT) sector, a recent e-Skills investigation highlighted a more than 26 percent shortfall of skilled workers. Put simply, we only have the national capacity to fill 3 out of 4 positions in IT. Gaining proper commercial IT accreditation is correspondingly a 'Fast Track' to a life-long and gratifying profession. Surely, now really is the very best time to train for the computing industry.

Always expect the latest Microsoft (or relevant organisation's) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages. Due to the fact that the majority of examining boards for IT are from the USA, it's essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It's not sufficient just understanding random questions - it's essential that you can cope with them in the proper exam format. Mock exams will prove invaluable in helping you build your confidence - then when the time comes for you to take your actual exams, you don't get phased.

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