Starting from the viewpoint that we have to home-in on the job we want to do first and foremost, before we can weigh up which training program would meet that requirement, how do we decide on the right direction? Because in the absence of any solid background in IT, how should we possibly know what a particular job actually consists of? To come through this, there should be a discussion of many different aspects:

- Which type of individual you are - what kind of jobs you enjoy doing, and conversely - what you hate to do.

- Do you want to re-train due to a particular motive - e.g. is it your goal to work from home (self-employment?)?

- Is salary further up on your list of priorities than some other areas.

- Looking at the many markets that IT encapsulates, you'll need to be able to absorb what's different.

- Our advice is to think deeply about any sacrifices you'll need to make, as well as what commitment and time that you will set aside for the accreditation program.

Ultimately, the only real way of covering these is from a long chat with an experienced advisor who through years of experience will lead you to the correct decision.

It's likely that you've always enjoyed practical work - the 'hands-on' individual. Typically, the unfortunate chore of reading reference guides is something you'll force on yourself if you absolutely have to, but it doesn't suit your way of doing things. So look for on-screen interactive learning packages if you'd really rather not use books. We see a huge improvement in memory retention when all our senses are brought into the mix - educational experts have expounded on this for many years.

Study programs now come via DVD-ROM discs, so everything is learned directly from your own PC. Through video streaming, you can watch instructors demonstrating how something is done, and then practice yourself - with interactive lab sessions. It makes sense to see a small selection of training examples before you sign on the dotted line. The minimum you should expect would be videoed instructor demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

It doesn't make sense to choose training that is only available online. Due to the variable nature of connection quality from the ISP (internet service provider) market, ensure that you have access to CD or DVD ROM based materials.

So many training providers are all about the certification, and completely avoid what you actually need - getting yourself a new job or career. You should always begin with where you want to get to - don't make the journey more important than where you want to get to. Don't let yourself become part of that group that choose a course that on the surface appears interesting - and end up with a plaque on the wall for a career they'll never really get any satisfaction from.

You need to keep your eye on what you want to achieve, and create a learning-plan from that - don't do it the other way round. Stay on target and ensure that you're training for a job you'll enjoy for years to come. We'd recommend you look for advice and guidance from an experienced industry professional before settling on some particular training program, so you can be sure that the specific package will give the skills for the job being sought.

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