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What
are these Courses
Certification
courses enable the student to demonstrate competencies with Microsoft or Novell
products and technologies.
Courses
cover a range of topics, for example
Administering
a network
Internetworking
Creating
and Managing a Web Server
Administering
an SQL Server
Visual
Basic Developer
Implementing
Databases Design
Depending
on the course, Certificates are available for
MCP Microsoft Certified Professional
MCP+I Microsoft Certified Professional
plus internet
MCSE Microsoft Certified Systems
Engineer. The “flagship” of the PC industry.
MCSE+I Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer plus
internet
MCSD Microsoft Certified Solution
Developer
More
information on Microsoft training and certification can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com
Jobs
System
administrator
Web
Server Administrator
IT
Support
Help
Desk
About
60 000 IT jobs unfilled.
Area
of employment
Government
Departments
Big
corporations, including big resource companies eg. Rio Tinto, BHP, Woodside
Computer
Retailer
Cost
Depending
on which course, prices range from $3440 to $11 870 for instructor-led
classes. These are normally intensive
modules lasting 9 days to 6 weeks,
followed by computerised exams, comprising multiple choice questions, at your
convenience. Time tabling of the
subjects may mean that the modules are spread over longer period, 3 months.
Self study packages in the form of manuals, computer simulations (“electronic
exercises”) and digital videos are also available at much lower costs. A combination of instructor-led and
take-home materials is also a possibility. Good bookshops, department stores and software retailers provide self
paced training books and training software at $200-$600.
The
minimum is hands on experience with a stand-alone PC. Must be able to install application software, and customise batch
files, autoexec.bat and config.sys.
Work Load
Plenty
of reading and practising at home is recommended for optimal success. Of course, someone with extensive experience
will find the going a lot easier than a computer dummy.
Passing
Rate
Passing
rates on the first try are highly dependent on the background knowledge of the
student. An estimate of 40% to 60%
attendees will pass. Repeating of exams are permitted, but at own costs ($135
each exam). One trainer allows use of their equipment for practising at no cost
for repeating an exam. Another gives
the training programs (on diskettes) as part of the course fees. A certain amount of persistence is required.
Suitable
for
1.
Professionals already in the IT industry who wish to have their extensive
experience recognised, locally and overseas.
A certificate could mean getting preference for a job or a substantial
increase in remuneration eg. $20K.
2.
Career-changers who do not mind starting on entry level positions such as Help
Desk on $25K-$30K. As this is a high
pace industry, with a very high staff turn over, expect to work at substandard
conditions for 3 to 6 months with small size businesses before moving onto the
next job with better opportunities.
Great financial rewards can be achieved, after some experience,
especially as a consultant or with a big corporation.
Not
suitable for
People
looking for an immediate income stream to live on. For your money, you may be better off cleaning schools or buying
a cleaning franchise!
What
is in it for Geologists
The computer geologist will have a chance to move sideway into the IT industry for the time being. This is a boom area where financial rewards can be achieved by consulting or changing jobs constantly. For a geologist wishing to gain computing skills this may be an opportunity to get the edge for jobs requiring someone with geological knowledge to manage the company’s PC system. The smaller companies could benefit from multiskilled geologists now that times are tough. Although time effective, these courses might not be cost effective. For geologists wanting to change careers, please note your geological skills are highly valued. Be aware that the financial rewards may be slow in coming, if starting out on say Help Desk.
Is
there a job at the end?
There
is no guarantee of passing or a job at the end, although some trainers offer
job placement. One company guarantees
50% return of your money if you can’t find work within 3 months.