The Seven Things to Look Out for When Choosing IT Training
Response:
Training material:
Look out for training material which is sub-standard. The cost of the course is usually an indication of the quality. If it seems really cheap, then it usually is.
Alternatively overpriced courses usually indicate a portion of the fees are being paid in commission to salespeople.
Ask what you receive in your training course. If it is hard copy material - is it just photocopied or printed.
If it is on interactive CD ROM's is the disc truly interactive or simply typed text on to a disc with no real interactivity.
If the training is supplied online? How do you access it? Is there support to assist you with access problems.
If you have to attend classroom at various stages in your training, do the training organisation include traveling costs in the course fees? Is accommodation and food included when you get there?
Check if the material is endorsed by the vendor. Ensure it is the latest material for the most up-to-date exams.
Ask about exam preparation material. How do you get tested by the training organisation prior to exams? Do you have to post the material or can you email your tests direct? Do you get instant results from your tests to allow you to continue with your training immediately, or do you have to wait for days or weeks for the results? ^top
Support:
Does your training include Support? If it does, when are the Tutors available? How do you contact the Tutors? Is is one Tutor you can contact or many? Are the Tutors qualified in your subject?
Do the training organisation provide Technical Support to assist you with loading software or setting up your PC? ^top
Who are they:
Who is the training organisation? Can you find out their name and address from any literature? Is it on their web site?
If they do not have full and clear contact details informing you who they are and how to contact them then beware.
If it is difficult to find out those details prior to enrolling, it may be even more difficult once you have given them your money! ^top
Terms & Conditions:
Ask to see the training organisations' Terms & Conditions prior to enrolling.
Check the small print and ask questions about anything you are not sure about.
Ensure you know what you are getting in terms of material and support, and any guarantees offered?
If the training organisation will not let you see their Terms and Conditions at your leisure, then there may be something they do not want your to see! ^top
Pass Guarantees:
Find out what the Pass Guarantee covers in the Terms and Conditions.
If the training organisation tests you prior to an exam, can they stop you taking the exam to stop your progress?
This is a typical way in which training organisations can limit their guarantee.
If you don't sit an exam until they say so, then they can just stop you sitting exams, therefore effectively defaulting on the guarantee. ^top
Job placement guarantee:
Once again check the small print. There are usually several clauses which ensure that the training organisation does not have to provide you with a job.
Will you have to relocate? Will you have to accept any job they offer you? Will you be tied into a contract for several years on a lower than the average income.
Is it based on you passing further Certifications and therefore having to enrol (and pay) for further training with them?
Have you got to complete their training in an unrealistic time to receive a job offer?
The usual get-out clause in job placement guarantees is the "depends on economic climate" phrase. If the training company believes that the economic climate is facing a downturn (in their opinion) then they do not have to place you in a job! ^top
Home visits by salespeople:
If a training organisation will not give you their course fees over the telephone or online, then what are they trying to hide?
If you cannot get the course fees without having to book an appointment at your home, then you can be sure that the person visiting you is a self-employed, commission only salesperson who needs you to enrol so that he can earn his income.
Very little of these salespeople are IT trained so their advice tends to be based on the course which they know better than some others - so it is doubtful whether the course will be right for you - but probably right for them!
Be aware too that any testing, interview or selection process is more than likely to be fictional! ^top
Report Ends.
If we can be of any further assistance in helping answer any of your questions regarding IT careers, training courses or funding your training, please do not hesitate to contact us at our training centre or on 0845 643 2899 (local rate) where a trained Personal Course Advisor will answer all your questions.
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