PC and network support technicians are ever more sought after in the United Kingdom, as institutions become progressively more dependent on their technical advice and skills. As we get to grips with the daunting complexities of technological advances, many more trained staff are required to run the smooth operation of functions we've come to rely on.

We can all agree: There's very little evidence of individual job security available anymore; there's only industry or sector security - any company is likely to remove anyone if it fits the business' trade needs. Where there are rising skills shortfalls together with escalating demand of course, we can discover a fresh type of market-security; driven forward by conditions of continuous growth, companies are struggling to hire the number of people required.

With the computer sector as an example, a recent e-Skills study brought to light a national skills shortage throughout the UK of around 26 percent. Meaning that for each 4 job positions that exist in the computer industry, there are only 3 trained people to do them. This single idea on its own clearly demonstrates why the country desperately needs a lot more people to get into the IT industry. As the Information Technology market is growing at the speed it is, could there honestly be a better sector worth looking at for a new career.

One useful service provided by many trainers is job placement assistance. The service is put in place to steer you into your first IT role. The honest truth is that it's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to get employment - once you're trained and certified; the growing UK skills shortage sees to that.

Help with your CV and interview techniques might be provided (if it isn't, consult one of our sites). Make sure you update that dusty old CV right away - not after you've qualified! It can happen that you haven't even got to the exam time when you land your first junior support role; however this isn't going to happen unless you've posted your CV on job sites. Generally, you'll receive quicker results from a specialist independent regional employment service than any course provider's recruitment division, because they'll know local industry and the area better.

Not inconsiderable numbers of trainees, it seems, conscientiously work through their course materials (sometimes for years), only to give up at the first hurdle when attempting to secure the right position. Market yourself... Make an effort to put yourself out there. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

Exam 'guarantees' are sometimes offered as part of a training package - this always means you have to pay for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you get carried away with a course with such a promise, why not think about this:

These days, we have to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and most of us know that for sure we are actually being charged for it (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) If it's important to you to qualify first 'go', then the most successful route is to avoid exam guarantees and pay when entering exams, give it the priority it deserves and be ready for the task.

Look for the very best offer you can at the time, and avoid college mark-up fees. You'll also be able to choose where to take your exam - meaning you can choose a local testing centre. A great deal of money is secured by many training colleges who take the exam money up-front. Many students don't take them for one reason or another and so the company is quids-in. Astoundingly enough, providers exist who depend on students not taking their exams - as that's where a lot of their profit comes from. The majority of companies will require you to do mock exams and prohibit you from re-taking an exam until you have proved to them you have a good chance of passing - making an 'exam guarantee' just about worthless.

VUE and Prometric examinations are around 112 pounds in this country. Why pay exorbitant 'Exam Guarantee' costs (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when a quality course, support and a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools are actually the key to your success.

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