Quite often, students have issues with a single training area very rarely considered: The breakdown of the course materials before being physically delivered to you. By and large, you'll join a programme requiring 1-3 years study and get posted one section at a time - from one exam to the next. This may seem sensible until you think about these factors: With thought, many trainees understand that their training company's 'standard' path of training isn't ideal for them. Sometimes, a slightly different order suits them better. And what happens if they don't finish at the pace they expect?

To be straight, the very best answer is to have their ideal 'order' of training laid out, but get everything up-front. Everything is then in your possession if you don't manage to finish at their required pace.

Make sure you don't get caught-up, like so many people do, on the training process. Your training isn't about getting a plaque on your wall; you're training to become commercially employable. Stay focused on what it is you want to achieve. Students often train for a single year but end up doing the actual job for 10-20 years. Avoid the mistake of choosing what sounds like an 'interesting' course and then put 10-20 years into something you don't even enjoy!

Be honest with yourself about how much you want to earn and what level of ambition fits you. Often, this changes which qualifications you'll need to attain and what you can expect to give industry in return. It's worth seeking guidance from someone who understands the industry you're considering, and who can offer 'A typical day in the life of' outline of what you actually do on the job. These things are very important because you obviously have to know if you're barking up the wrong tree.

A service that many training companies provide is a programme of Job Placement assistance. This is to help you find your first job in the industry. Don't get caught up in this feature - it's easy for companies marketing departments to make it sound harder than it is. The fact of the matter is, the need for well trained IT people in Great Britain is what will enable you to get a job.

Advice and support about getting interviews and your CV should be offered (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). Ensure you update that dusty old CV immediately - not when you're ready to start work! Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is far better than not even being known about. A surprising amount of junior support roles are offered to students in the early stages of their course. In many cases, a specialist independent regional recruitment consultancy (who will get paid by the employer when they've placed you) will be more pro-active than a centralised training company's service. In addition, they will no doubt know the local industry and employment needs.

Many trainees, it would appear, are prepared to study their hearts out (for years sometimes), only to give up at the first hurdle when trying to get a job. Sell yourself... Do your best to let employers know about you. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

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