ICT Support Technician

[Good_Credit]

Hi Guys,

 

 

I would like some advice please.

 

 

I would like to try and gain entry into the ICT Support technician or service desk job. I would like some advice on how best to go about getting my foot in the door and which courses I should start with?

 

 

I am 35 years and have been unemployed for 4 years now and am really in need of a job. I do have some experience of working with computers and working on websites. Any advice/ information would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Thanks for reading.

[renegadeimp]

Head to your local college and speak to an advisor. You will also need to tell them what experience you have and may have to sit a small aptitude test so they know what course to best put you on.

 

It also depends what you are looking to specialise in, or if you just want to be a general dogsbody. There are many avenues available, but if you dont have the basic qualifications, you will have to sit them. However, imo, anything under nvq 3 in pretty much any discipline is very simple as it is very basic stuff. 3 and over are for specialised and managers. Basically theyre your entry to HND's, or degrees.

 

When you get your nvq or HND's, some employers ( like mine and me) will hire you if you fit out specs, and will pay for college/uni for you providing you meet our standards, and in our case agree to stay with the company for a set period of time.

[chiefengineer]

Totally agree. Your local college should be able to advise. There are many different areas to specialise in, but website and mobile stuff is definitely up and coming,

 

I've been in IT 25 years, so shout if you want any specific advise.

 

Jez

[renegadeimp]

Just to note, do NOT specialise in web or mobile stuff until you have solid qualifications behind you. Those specialisations are overflowing with people right now and it is extremely hard to corner the market.

[BankFodder]

Getting a "dogsbody" job in that field can be a very useful way to get going. If you can put in the time to do the course at the same time - then you have the benefit of gaining experience and also getting a practical view of how it all works. this would be a very good grounding for academic course and coursework.

Also, if you are gaining the knowledge, it wil eventually be noticed by your employers who are then more likely to give you more responsibilities as they get to trust you. This could lead to you getting a work-specific education and qualifications as well as work experience at the same time.

[renegadeimp]

Also to note, a lot of employers have #adult apprenticeships'. Mine does, but its very hard to get in. You basically apply for the position and get in then go to college 3 days a week, or you get in via college while doing a course.

[knowusebruce]

you will need some "certs" (certifications) in order to get an entry level job unless you have loads of experience.

 

the comptia A+ is the entry level cert and is considered the best one to start with...

 

linky

 

join this forum and ask as many questions as you like. they are really friendly and supportive. in fact im certain you wont need another source for advice.

 

linky

 

check out this guys website for study videos. the A+ videos are free. very helpful.

 

linky

 

hope this helps

[renegadeimp]

Head to your local college and speak to an adult learning advisor. They can put you on the right track. be warned though that most GOOD courses ( not the silly european computer driving course crap), will require you to study fulltime.

[spamheed]

Our Desktop Support tech roles all have the MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certification as a basic entry criteria.

 

 

However our other desktop based roles such as tech support, sales, or customer services are more interested in the personality of the person applying, having good listening skills, applying multi layered logic to technical situations and more than a passing knowledge of computer systems, networks and applications.

 

 

We support Accounting and Payroll software solutions and the actual product knowledge is delivered to any prospective tech via in house training, the initial training is subject to periodic exams and there is a six month probation period to pass.

[Good_Credit]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

 

 

I do have a degree in Law & Economics a 2.2 from 2003. I just cant seem to find any work. A friend advised to go for this role as I am pretty competent with laptops and PCS.

 

 

At chiefengineer - Can I PM you for some advice on how I should go forward?

[renegadeimp]

No need to PM. Just post in this thread. The thread is yours so feel free to use it

[Good_Credit]

OK, What course should I go for first?

 

 

Or should I volunteer for free somewhere?

[renegadeimp]

I wouldnt volunteer.

 

The first step i would take, and advise anyone looking for a career in IT, is to speak to a college tutor. They will sit down with you and discuss exactly what you want to achieve. They will then list the relevant courses for you and see if you are eligible for them. If not, they will advise on what courses you can take to get access.

 

It is a very simple and straightforward way in, and since you already have a degree, you can just do the career change courses, which are normally fast track courses depending on your college.

[Good_Credit]

I would like to know what kind of different areas there are? Which areas are growing and what the day to day tasks is in these different areas?

 

Any information would be much appreciated.

[renegadeimp]

There are literally hundreds of different areas. As i said before. The best thing for you to do is get a good solid education/knowledge first, then focus on the area you want to do. As you gain the knowledge, you will know what area you want to specialise in.

 

When i started out in IT, i wasn't sure either. I started getting the basics, and knew i wanted to specialise in network administration and infrastructure. It's a complicated, and sometimes boring job, but the end result is worth it when you know everything is running smoothly and hundreds of people are able to work because of something you did.

[Good_Credit]

Hi Guys,

 

 

Just a quick update -

 

 

I have registered with to an apprenticeship website if I can get on to one.

 

 

I haver also decided to home study for the Comptia A+ as a first step.

 

 

My local college does this course that I am thinking for doing - IT BTEC Diploma Level 2

 

 

What do you guys think?

 

 

Thanks

[Good_Credit]

Bump

[labrat]

check for apprenticeships

 

our place just took on 50 at £16k rising to £23k

[Good_Credit]

Got this from a friend who said I should try this course. What do you guys think?

 

 

[link removed for checking.]

Edited July 8, 2014 by honeybee13
Link.