Question re Programing - Hope right place

[Daff_Duck]

My son has just complted a BTEC in Computer Science but is interested in learning programing C++ Visual Basic Cobal etc Could anyone who works in this field provide a starting point with regards to gaining relevant certification in order to enter this field.

As mentioned I aplogise if this is the wrong forum

 

[Pho]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=41 - nearly the right place .

What field of programming does he want to go down? I'm sure I'll get flamed by robotCocks if he sees this but he'd be much better learning languages like C#, Java, Python or PHP given they seem to be more in demand than C++ nowadays, unless you're working with hardware (embedded chips), Linux or games engines and the like. Mind you, we have some guys at work working with PIC chips using a basic compiler (similar to visual basic) while others are working with them in C. The basic version looks far easier to comprehend .

Getting into the field is quite difficult: experience is far more important than certifications in programming and once you're in finding new jobs is quite easy, but getting your first job can be tricky. Is he considering doing a degree so he can go for graduate developer roles and progress from there?

Failing that getting involved in open-source/community projects wouldn't be a bad thing at all. It'll help with experience, and looks good on your CV.

 

[Craig321]

Maybe an apprenticeship? As above, it can be difficult to get into a job without any experience so he could build some up through an apprenticeship and possibly stay on at the company as an employee afterwards if they like him, if not he'll at least have a few years experience to get another job.