IT courses???

R∑BEL · 2 May 2011 at 23:12

Carrying over from my old thread = http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18269523

Im wondering if you lovely folks would give me some advice.

Im 28 and having a long term problem with my back, reacently had to quit my job. Im now looking for a IT course to study to allow me to have a good career that will not upset my back too much.
Was looking at PC repair and networking ect as im a more hands on person than a desk bound typer and like the problem solving side to life.

Please could you guys point me in the right direction as to correct courses and needed certificates in these working roles.

There is jst too many courses for me to get my head around.

Kind Regards and thanks

Martin.

Swordfish · 2 May 2011 at 23:16

For a start PC repair involves a LOT of bending. Trust me.

Again doing something sitting down all day would be just as bad for your back.

You need to think where you want to go in more defined terms as IT as a whole is massive.

Raumarik · 2 May 2011 at 23:50

I'd have a re-think, from experience all types of IT work can mean manual handling at some point and in some instances pretty extensive moving of equipment (servers/network gear/racks etc.)

If you want into I.T. and have a particular mind for it I'd look more at the software development side if I had back problems, but it's not that easy to get into without a degree of some kind. Which I hate to say as I personally prefer staff with experience over qualifications!

R∑BEL · 4 May 2011 at 15:27

Where would i get said experience.
Im totally new to this industry and would love an apprentice position or jst start at the bottom and work my way in. but i dont have a clue where to start looking!

Any work sitting or standing eventually makes my back ache so it doesnt really matter what i do. Jst need to stay away from constant manual handling and repetetive bending.

UK-AL05 · 4 May 2011 at 15:47

R∑BEL said:
Where would i get said experience.
Im totally new to this industry and would love an apprentice position or jst start at the bottom and work my way in. but i dont have a clue where to start looking!

Any work sitting or standing eventually makes my back ache so it doesnt really matter what i do. Jst need to stay away from constant manual handling and repetetive bending.

What do you want to do?

Configuring hardware, or doing admin type work does not require a degree. Just get experience, just apply for jobs, and get certs a long the way.

If you want to program, and do more academic computer stuff like algorithms. You need a degree.

R∑BEL · 4 May 2011 at 16:10

Im mechanically minded and enjoy working with my hands so along the lines of a PC technician hardware and installations are what im looking for.

I would not enjoy being stuck at the same desk all day every day.

Swordfish · 4 May 2011 at 18:36

R∑BEL said:
Im mechanically minded and enjoy working with my hands so along the lines of a PC technician hardware and installations are what im looking for.

I would not enjoy being stuck at the same desk all day every day.

Again you still need to think about this as, I and others have pointed out, you will have a lot of lifting, carrying and bending if you are looking at the installation side of things. Can your back handle that.

Even a PC tech that just does builds and tests to POST on machines will have a lot of bending.

Have you done any form of PC building etc?

R∑BEL · 4 May 2011 at 18:45

Not a lot of builds but a couple and im awlays practicing on my broken machine lol.
Im geting along with it at home fine, a lot easier than bein a vehicle mechanic anyway!!!

Swordfish · 4 May 2011 at 18:51

R∑BEL said:
Not a lot of builds but a couple and im awlays practicing on my broken machine lol.
Im geting along with it at home fine, a lot easier than bein a vehicle mechanic anyway!!!

Doing at home will be easier that doing it for a living as you are your own boss as such. In a workplace when you have got get things done by deadlines etc it will most definitely be harder.

I take it then when you mentioned installations you where referring to OS installs as opposed to on-site hardware installs?

From what I can read you are looking for a job that will allow you to build machines and install OS etc. If so have you tried any of your local repair shops to see if they have anything even part-time to get you started?

Xelene · 4 May 2011 at 19:18

Swordfish said:
Even a PC tech that just does builds and tests to POST on machines will have a lot of bending.

As a fairly high level Infrastructure Architect, I still get roped into putting VERY heavy and awkward servers into racks. Programmers tend to be immune, or more likely not asked as they are a bunch of pasty faced wimps.