In the modern world, support workers who are qualified to fix networks and PC's, and give constant help to users, are vital in all sections of the economy. Our requirement for increasing numbers of technically qualified people multiplies, as we turn out to be significantly more beholden to PC's in the modern world.

Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something that includes 24x7 access, as not obtaining this level of support will severely put a damper on the speed you move through things. Be wary of any training providers who use call-centres 'out-of-hours' - where an advisor will call back during the next 'working' day. This is useless when you're stuck and want support there and then.

Be on the lookout for providers that use several support centres from around the world. These should be integrated to give a single entry point as well as 24 hours-a-day access, when you need it, with no fuss. Always pick a trainer that is worth purchasing from. As only live 24x7 support gives you the confidence to make it.

Commercial certification is now, without a doubt, starting to replace the traditional academic paths into the IT industry - so why is this the case? Industry now recognises that to cover the necessary commercial skill-sets, the right accreditation supplied for example by Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe is far more effective and specialised - at a far reduced cost both money and time wise. Academic courses, for instance, often get bogged down in a lot of loosely associated study - and a syllabus that's too generalised. This holds a student back from getting enough core and in-depth understanding on a specific area.

It's rather like the advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. Companies need only to know what areas need to be serviced, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

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