IT courses: A+

Top_Banana_2

I'm thinking of doing the CompTIA A+ course soon- but is it worth it?

I don't have any relevant IT work experience, so I'm concerned that I may not get an IT job after qualifying.

I also find it hard to believe that you can be taught everything in a two week period, and then simply go and do an IT Support job.

Humph!

Any thoughts?

cazziebo

Comptia A+ is a recognised and credible certification. However, without any experience then I'd go so far as to say it's worthless to an employer.

Unstoppable_2

Seconded. Experience is valued over certificates. And yes, you're right in thinking that its not possible to teach everything in a fortnight.

piggeh

If you wish to get into IT, then you either need to gain experience or do a course. If you don't have experience then Comptia A+ is well redcognised - you should however, still be realistic and realise you will still start at the bottom of the IT ladder.

Be prepared to learn what a 386 CPU looks like etc, gets a bit mind-numbing at times!

As for IT Support roles, I always thought first line support is to sort out all those common problems like not switching the pc on, etc, so you could probably learn enough

Newbie2009_2

I myself have started one of those "study at home at your own pace" Comptia A+ courses. I am only a couple of months in to it but believe this will open up a whole new horizon once it is complete. Most people start at the bottom anyway, but if you learn well then you should gain experience as you study, either in your own home or elsewhere. Soon enough you will rise that ladder and be where YOU want to be.
I am being made redundant now and am trying to find out if there is any help out there to pay for the course as I'm paying for it monthly but started whilst in employment.

Its a Learning Curve and everyone starts somewhere!

markelock

Top_Banana wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing the CompTIA A+ course soon- but is it worth it?

I don't have any relevant IT work experience, so I'm concerned that I may not get an IT job after qualifying.

I also find it hard to believe that you can be taught everything in a two week period, and then simply go and do an IT Support job.

Humph!

Any thoughts?

I would have a look at trying to get "apprentice" type jobs. Something where you learn on the job, and earn pretty low wages to get yourself in the market.

then let the employer train you (which will be worth much more)

have you looked locally for this type of thing?

Newbie2009_2

That is also a great idea for the right person, I myself am looking to start working from home as a sideline at first, then later after I have gained a bit of experience that way, move on to employment in that sector(if all goes well).
Most people have a plan and thats mine.


Good luck on anything you may try!

alunharford

Top_Banana wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing the CompTIA A+ course soon- but is it worth it?

I don't have any relevant IT work experience, so I'm concerned that I may not get an IT job after qualifying.

I also find it hard to believe that you can be taught everything in a two week period, and then simply go and do an IT Support job.

Humph!

Any thoughts?

I'm a programmer, so it's a different part of the sector, but I had a look at their sample exams as was pretty shocked.
Of the 10 questions on the first exam, 5 are utter common sense, 1 was asking about classful networks (which were abandoned in 1993), 1 should be answered "It depends", and 3 were pointless geekiness (I'm geeky enough to know the answers, but that's not actually an advantage in the real world). The test is multiple choice and the pass mark is 60%.
If somebody put that on their CV, I'd bin it.

I've not looked very closely at it (nor would a potential employer) but I'd say to save your money. Apply for those jobs today, and show that you're keen and you can learn new skills quickly.

Newbie2009_2

Well that one surely seems a waste of time. I have one that does ask multiple choice questions as you read through the books, but I also receive tasks from the online tutor to complete and there are 2 main exams to be taken at my local college. I have had computers for around 10 years but not till recently did i decide i would try my hand at one of these courses. so far I'm doing well and it seems that there are a few different courses for the same qualification. The one you mention does sound a little simple and outdated, so people should'nt dive in to the one they first see,but shop around.

KimYeovil

The only job opportunities these schemes foster are those for the 'tutors' and the salesmen of the courses.

gaz_jones

markelock wrote: »

I would have a look at trying to get "apprentice" type jobs. Something where you learn on the job, and earn pretty low wages to get yourself in the market.

then let the employer train you (which will be worth much more)

have you looked locally for this type of thing?

This is the route i'm going down at the moment. Currently 4 months into an apprentice/assistant job.

I had a basic understanding of IT when I joined as I did a 5 month course but I didn't have any on the job expericne. I was lucky enough to manage to get myself an IT apprentice job on around £13k. I reckon i'll be on a pretty low wage for atleast the next 2 years but after that the wages will hopefully start to rocket up.

I think getting into IT is a great career move if you enjoy computers. Don't get me wrong there's boring bits to my job but there will always be boring bits to every job (except maybe being the stig). But every single day is different. Its also really good because your not just stuck in the same seat with the same computer for 9 hours a day. Your always up and about talking to people etc.....


E2A: KimYovil, I can tell you haven't done one of these courses due to your comment.

Me and 4 of my mates did a very similar IT course and all 5 of us are now in support roles. Fair enough I'm not on mega bucks or anything but at 19 to have my foot on the ladder of a full time career I think is pretty good. And thats all thanks to these 'Schemes'. Don't knock it until you've tried it.