IT Support - training courses.
- Thread starter alexakasloth
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Soldato
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I'm in the same boat really.
Currently been in a office job for the last 5 years, I'd love to work in IT Support as I enjoy solving issues and taking things apart.
My issue is lack of experience, I've had a combined total of 1 year experience from being in and out of multiple short term posts via agency (this was some years ago now), also I have a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners (IT and Business) which is a lot of words but don't think its much in terms of qualifications.
I've applied for a few things and got to interview stage but never get the job at the end of it which is disheartening, employers seem to be more interested in Experience which makes it difficult for us trying to get our foot in the door.
Currently been in a office job for the last 5 years, I'd love to work in IT Support as I enjoy solving issues and taking things apart.
My issue is lack of experience, I've had a combined total of 1 year experience from being in and out of multiple short term posts via agency (this was some years ago now), also I have a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners (IT and Business) which is a lot of words but don't think its much in terms of qualifications.
I've applied for a few things and got to interview stage but never get the job at the end of it which is disheartening, employers seem to be more interested in Experience which makes it difficult for us trying to get our foot in the door.
I've been working in IT for nearly a year now, doing various roles, still not really hearing anything from companies I apply too.
I've seen a few adverts for A+/N+ but I refuse to waste my time with them. I'm doing the MS Virtual Academy and starting on Networks, building a home test lab and getting more experience that way. It's just one of those areas that has a lot of attention and you just have to keep plugging away.
I've seen a few adverts for A+/N+ but I refuse to waste my time with them. I'm doing the MS Virtual Academy and starting on Networks, building a home test lab and getting more experience that way. It's just one of those areas that has a lot of attention and you just have to keep plugging away.
1st Line Support is a good place to start and should be relativity easy to get into. Yes, companies like qualifications but experience hold tremendous weight so look to get the knowledge under you're belt.
When I first starting working in IT it did it for free to get the knowledge and experience potential employers looked out for.
Giving you an example I was made redundant last year completely unaware (on a Monday), by the Thursday I was offered a new job and weeks after that turning offers away.
My IT qualifications aren't amazing but I have 12 years experience and done everything from running cables to virtualisation.
Good luck OP!
When I first starting working in IT it did it for free to get the knowledge and experience potential employers looked out for.
Giving you an example I was made redundant last year completely unaware (on a Monday), by the Thursday I was offered a new job and weeks after that turning offers away.
My IT qualifications aren't amazing but I have 12 years experience and done everything from running cables to virtualisation.
Good luck OP!
That's true. It's really competitive right now.
I've started giving recruiters a follow up call when I apply for a job just to confirm they have got my CV and give a brief introduction over the phone. I'm trying to do everything I can to give myself a bit of an advantage.
I haven't done IT Support before but I've been researching what software they use (Active Directory for one) so I've been looking into that.
The list of things I have to from job adverts that I need to check through are:
Windows desktop and server operating systems
SQL Server technologies.
Active Directory Domain Services.
Group Policies
Microsoft Office and other workstation software
Standard networking services and protocols.
ITIL of ITIL framework.
VMWare (VSphere) / Hyper V
Exchange Server
Office365
Azure
Exposure to Citrix environment
General Networking information (TCP/IP Etc)
Windows desktop and server operating systems
SQL Server technologies.
Active Directory Domain Services.
Group Policies
Microsoft Office and other workstation software
Standard networking services and protocols.
ITIL of ITIL framework.
VMWare (VSphere) / Hyper V
Exchange Server
Office365
Azure
Exposure to Citrix environment
General Networking information (TCP/IP Etc)
This is a great idea, definitely keep doing this, make yourself memorable, most people won't bother to follow up. Just be mindful of where you pitch it; be keen but not annoyingly so
A thought: Have you, or have you considered, setting up a virtual PC to install a server and a couple of client PCs on? It's a great way to practice. I did this on my laptop before I installed a new server in a charity a couple of years ago, just so I could make sure my theory and design would work. It made the live server set up a doddle. You posted about Active Directory - this is a great way to practice that; setting up accounts, changing passwords, creating and managing security groups and group policies.
tbh.. I'd phone up and speak to a recruiter before even sending your CV for a role
also if traditional first line/desktop support stuff has too low a barrier to entry and turns into a bit of a lottery thanks to the sheer number of applicants then be bit more creative in the job search - seek out mid sized firms yourself and check their website/apply directly
or seek out alternate entry level roles - if you're got a degree (and ideally some relevant domain knowledge or language skills) then try application support roles at vendors or large companies
also if traditional first line/desktop support stuff has too low a barrier to entry and turns into a bit of a lottery thanks to the sheer number of applicants then be bit more creative in the job search - seek out mid sized firms yourself and check their website/apply directly
or seek out alternate entry level roles - if you're got a degree (and ideally some relevant domain knowledge or language skills) then try application support roles at vendors or large companies
Buy yourself some books off Amazon based on the area you like the look of - desktop/server/network. Get reading and when it starts sinking in look at the low level exams that can be taken to reinforce a job application - so for networking it probably going to be a CCNA or the CCENT as a starter. I dont think I've ever really seen anyone look for the Comptia A+ when recruiting - not saying the content isnt any good it just doesnt seem to be very common
I was a repair Technician with Carphone Warehouse and was made redundant after 13 years service. I decided to pursue a career in IT. I managed to land a role as a help desk analyst with no qualifications in IT and I hated it. Sitting at a desk with a headset on for 8hrs a day filled me with dread. I was there for 3 months. Luckily I saw a Job advertised for an IT Technician local to me, more money, better hours and I was lucky enough to secure the role. I now get involved with everything, desktop support, network infrastructure, server administration etc, it's what I imagined a job in IT to be like.
Apply for anything, regardless if you have qualifications or not and use the job you secure to move onto something better.
It's now that I'm getting experience and skills that I will start looking at courses.
Apply for anything, regardless if you have qualifications or not and use the job you secure to move onto something better.
It's now that I'm getting experience and skills that I will start looking at courses.
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I like the sound of that, I have plenty of time for now as I still have a while in my current job (about 2 years). Thats why I ask about quals, as when I leave I can get some funding towards them and some funding towards an OU Computing & IT degree which could give a good understanding of a broad variety of applications.
CSD, I understand where you are coming from, I worked phones in credit card/bank fraud for a while after uni. I thought it would be a good step into IT whilst I study and look for better things.
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Firstly i'm not sure if you're allowed to bump old threads on this forum as I'm new so if it's not allowed then I apologise in advance.
I am 23, have a philosophy degree, and after some health problems looking to change careers to go into IT. Not a clue how to do it though. Did a little bit of symbolic logic at university so not sure how related that is to IT programming and coding and whether that is an area i could look to go into, or just general PC repair, troubleshooting, networking type route. It's mostly just an interest that has developed out of buying a gaming PC last year rather than a deep long held passion. I don't really know much about anything IT related but as a career it seems decent to go into. Courses seem like a great idea but the cost puts me off and I'm not a great self learner. Does the IT industry ever offer internships to let people learn while they work? I am not eligible for an apprenticeship I think because of the degree. Fortunately for now I live in London where opportunities might be more available but possibly moving out to bedfordshire towards the end of the year if I don't have a job by then.
I'd appreciate any advice, I feel stuck in a bit of a rut and not really sure where to turn.
I am 23, have a philosophy degree, and after some health problems looking to change careers to go into IT. Not a clue how to do it though. Did a little bit of symbolic logic at university so not sure how related that is to IT programming and coding and whether that is an area i could look to go into, or just general PC repair, troubleshooting, networking type route. It's mostly just an interest that has developed out of buying a gaming PC last year rather than a deep long held passion. I don't really know much about anything IT related but as a career it seems decent to go into. Courses seem like a great idea but the cost puts me off and I'm not a great self learner. Does the IT industry ever offer internships to let people learn while they work? I am not eligible for an apprenticeship I think because of the degree. Fortunately for now I live in London where opportunities might be more available but possibly moving out to bedfordshire towards the end of the year if I don't have a job by then.
I'd appreciate any advice, I feel stuck in a bit of a rut and not really sure where to turn.
The last post was 5 days ago, hardly bumping an old thread
As for your question, that really depends what are you want to get into.
The easiest way is helpdesk via 1st line support. If you can answer a phone and use basic logic then you can do the job. You rarely need any real qualifications or experience for this but competition is intense.
After that you can progress up the support lines, and then specialising in an area.
Coding wise, seems like even entry level jobs you need a degree, 2 years experience and about 6 different languages/frameworks under your belt for min salary prospects.
You can get lucky, make contacts. I started on a media team writing blogs with a nice lad that wasn't too bright. They soon realised what they had and I was running £7k/month adwords accounts, social media campaigns, seo, UX, analytics etc Unfortunately the team was shut down and I replaced the IT guy who was having to have weekly performance meetings. Company has doubled in size and I'm using **** systems and half-bummed implementation but it's getting there. Just installed new systems in our call centre, set up, rewired etc but still a bit to do, then our second call centre. I'm 50% underpaid for what work I do compared to 2nd line helpdesk, and I'm taking on some basic web/coding bits as well soon.
Getting into a tech company as an admin role is one area, or you could apply to companies such as Cap Gemini, they are massive companies that take on degree level people and train them. £16k salary but lots of investment in you. I know people who were there now earning £450 a day now as freelancers. I've considered contacting them even without a degree, purely because of the investment but with travel costs to Telford I'd be really struggling.
As for your question, that really depends what are you want to get into.
The easiest way is helpdesk via 1st line support. If you can answer a phone and use basic logic then you can do the job. You rarely need any real qualifications or experience for this but competition is intense.
After that you can progress up the support lines, and then specialising in an area.
Coding wise, seems like even entry level jobs you need a degree, 2 years experience and about 6 different languages/frameworks under your belt for min salary prospects.
You can get lucky, make contacts. I started on a media team writing blogs with a nice lad that wasn't too bright. They soon realised what they had and I was running £7k/month adwords accounts, social media campaigns, seo, UX, analytics etc Unfortunately the team was shut down and I replaced the IT guy who was having to have weekly performance meetings. Company has doubled in size and I'm using **** systems and half-bummed implementation but it's getting there. Just installed new systems in our call centre, set up, rewired etc but still a bit to do, then our second call centre. I'm 50% underpaid for what work I do compared to 2nd line helpdesk, and I'm taking on some basic web/coding bits as well soon.
Getting into a tech company as an admin role is one area, or you could apply to companies such as Cap Gemini, they are massive companies that take on degree level people and train them. £16k salary but lots of investment in you. I know people who were there now earning £450 a day now as freelancers. I've considered contacting them even without a degree, purely because of the investment but with travel costs to Telford I'd be really struggling.
Associate
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Forgot February only had 28 days. Some forums can be a bit strict about bumping old stuff.
I think probably more into IT support than coding. Things like working an a PC repair shop, a company that sorts out businesses IT systems, over the phone or remote access support etc, that sort of thing. That second company would be ideal. Training me on the job would be far far better than self learning.
I think probably more into IT support than coding. Things like working an a PC repair shop, a company that sorts out businesses IT systems, over the phone or remote access support etc, that sort of thing. That second company would be ideal. Training me on the job would be far far better than self learning.
depends on the company, and yourself.
Internal changes with some determination on your part 6 months from 1st - 2nd, not really a big leap but 2-3 probably a year on top at least. External job changes, at least a year in each area, maybe 2.
Again, staff turnover, training, gaining experience and qualifications will all have a say on the time scale.
Internal changes with some determination on your part 6 months from 1st - 2nd, not really a big leap but 2-3 probably a year on top at least. External job changes, at least a year in each area, maybe 2.
Again, staff turnover, training, gaining experience and qualifications will all have a say on the time scale.
Ok that's not bad really. The salary for 2nd line support is fairly decent from what I've seen. 3rd line salary is quite impressive but that requires qualifications for the most part doesn't it?
I didn't expect the salaries to be as high as they are and the time scale between the levels to be that short. So I'm happy about that. Cheers for the information!
I'm not 100% but 3rd line does require a lot more technical knowledge and maybe some specialisation, I'm stuck in helpdesk hell at the moment. Currently supporting 150 staff over 4 locations and 300+ remote sales consultants pretty much by myself. Our Tech director really knows his **** but it's mostly development work for him so everything else is for me.
Salary is lower than most 1st line but I'm doing everything from basic email account issues and "my monitor isn't working" (yeah you've pulled the power cable out) to rebuilding call centres/networks and now moving on to some basic coding working. Due to not working with standard IT tech (active Directory, GPO, Win server etc) it's proving very difficult to move on, and I am desperate to move on not just for the money but for gaining knowledge and experience.
You just need to get in with a decent company, either one with a good internal IT dept or a company that provides IT services to other companies.
I missed out on a job 2 miles down the road on £30k a year because I didn't have ITIL but had everything else, definitely on my list to get now.
Salary is lower than most 1st line but I'm doing everything from basic email account issues and "my monitor isn't working" (yeah you've pulled the power cable out) to rebuilding call centres/networks and now moving on to some basic coding working. Due to not working with standard IT tech (active Directory, GPO, Win server etc) it's proving very difficult to move on, and I am desperate to move on not just for the money but for gaining knowledge and experience.
You just need to get in with a decent company, either one with a good internal IT dept or a company that provides IT services to other companies.
I missed out on a job 2 miles down the road on £30k a year because I didn't have ITIL but had everything else, definitely on my list to get now.