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10 Things You Need to Know About IT Training
Don't
Take a training class until you read this! – 10
Things you should know about IT Training by Jide
Awe for IT Toolbox Networking www.ittoolbox.com
Summary:
IT Training is required both by users and professionals. To remain relevant,
you have to be equipped with knowledge and tools required by the
digital age. And training is a route followed by many. From time
to time, you will have to take important decisions regarding training.
Training is often your opportunity to proactively move your IT career
forward. How should you do your groundwork? An informed decision
is the key to getting training right. You can start by taking a look
at ten things you must know about IT Training.
In
the bid to acquire skills and knowledge in today’s
information age, many are turning to IT Training. For
many individuals and organizations, the need for training
has never been greater. This hunger for IT training is
driven by the rapid rate of change in all spheres of
life that are now affected by information technology.
Individuals and organizations are making efforts to keep
pace with the "latest" technical advancements.
IT Training is required both by users and professionals. To remain relevant,
you have to be equipped with knowledge and tools required by the digital
age. And training is a route followed by many. From time to time, you
will have to take important decisions regarding training. Training is
often your opportunity to proactively move your IT career forward. How
should you do your groundwork? An informed decision is the key to getting
training right.
You
can start by taking a look at ten things you must know
about IT Training.
1.
IT Training focuses on both the theory and practice
of IT
–
the acquisition of skills and knowledge.
It is therefore an activity that seeks to fill skills and knowledge gaps.
What is lacking? Are you at zero level? Then the training you need is
one that will make you computer literate. If you are an IT professional
your need might be for IT certification. Before embarking on training
you must know what your training needs are. What gap needs to be filled?
Is the training need for an organization or an individual? What is your
desired career path and specialization? What do you need to know? Are
you sure training will close the gap? Set your training objectives carefully.
The purpose of your training should be well defined.
2.
To acquire practical IT skills and knowledge, the best
training approach is that which uses the “See
it, Hear it, Do it.” Concept, i.e. interactive
and participative.
You see it been done. You listen to concepts and ideas and then you do
it yourself. “What you need to know how to do, you learn by doing.” Training
must combine the right blend of theory and practice.
3.
The quality of training varies widely.
It is critical that you choose your training provider based on substance.
A training center is assessed with respect to quality of materials, competence
of trainers, degree of instructor support, training skills of trainers,
corporate IT focus, counseling facilities, track record, quality of facilities
and other quality related issues. You should be able to gain from the
real world experience of the trainers.
4.
The focus of IT training should be on effective learning
by students.
Has the gap been filled? What can the learner do now that he or she couldn’t
do previously? The training outcome is key. Are the skills and knowledge
acquired relevant and adequate? What is the value of training you have
received? The outcome should be such that you must not only learn, but
you must also be able to apply your learning for yourself.
5.
Certification and awards of diplomas are important
training outcomes most especially where there is a
lot of emphasis on paper qualifications.
But the primary focus of IT training should be the acquisition of practical
skills and knowledge; the award of certificates or diplomas is secondary.
Paper certification will not get you anywhere in IT. Training should
give you a form of certification (diploma, certificate, etc), as well
as practical skills and knowledge. Training is not only about immersing
yourself in knowledge, it’s also about creating opportunities for
yourself.
6.
If you want to build a career in IT and you have a
degree or certification without practical skills, training
is essential for you.
You need to acquire these skills and knowledge to advance your IT career.
Cramming for tests and reading text materials alone are not enough to
establish your IT career.
7.
Cost is a major issue in IT training. To many it is
a deciding factor.
But price should not be your sole determinant for choosing training or
a training institution. Always do a proper cost benefit analysis before
deciding if the cost will give you value. How do you value the investment?
Tie this to your training needs. Think not only of your immediate costs
but also of present and future opportunities. It is reckless to choose
an inferior training solution to save money. On the other hand high cost
does not indicate high quality.
8.
All the best instructors, world-class facilities cannot
learn for you.
You must be prepared to make the effort to learn. Learning involves more
than routine attendance of lectures. Your primary role is to learn. With
a good training setup, there is no mystery to learning. You simply have
to be committed. Lack of commitment is a major problem. This often arises
due to poor planning and or insufficient motivation. Each day after training,
do you go over concepts you’ve been taught? Do you practice on
your own? Or is your learning reserved for the classroom only? You paid
your course fees in full two weeks before the course started, but where
is your commitment if you are frequently absent or late for training
sessions? Make sure you are dedicated to learning before you start. It
might seem funny or weird, but I’ve met students who just want
to pay training fees and collect certificates. They’re simply not
ready to go through the “stress” of training classes or exercises!
Talk about a misplacement of priorities! You either want to learn or
you don’t want to. Period! If you want to learn, get with the program
and work on getting the most out of your training program. Let your career
ambitions keep you motivated during times of self-doubt and stress. You
must be ready to the effort to learn and to apply what you have learnt.
If you don’t make the effort you are burning, not just throwing
away, good time and money.
9.
You need to consider some important factors when choosing
the right learning solution.
What is your skill and motivation level? Consider financial constraints
and available study time. Each of these important pieces should be used
in determining the right training model for you. Instructor-led IT training
seems to achieve more for students than other training options, most
particularly when there is a focus on in-depth hands-on exercises. Instructor-led
training is regarded as the most effective means of acquiring IT skills
and knowledge. You must however be prepared to learn at the pace of your
training institution. However, if you already have some practical skills
and or you cannot make time to attend instructor-led training, a wide
variety of learning options is available to you. These include self-study
such as books, practice tests, computer based training and Web / Online
learning. A blend of self-paced learning and classroom learning might
be what you need.
10.
Most IT Training focuses on the acquisition of IT skills
and knowledge.
However, if you want to build a career in IT, there are more issues at
play than technical skills and knowledge alone. You also need soft skills
(presentation, communications, marketing, project management, etc) to
enhance your value. Your tech skills and training decisions are important,
but if you can’t market yourself, getting ahead will be an uphill
task. Furthermore, attitude is important in the real world. Attitude
will determine your altitude. Issues like professionalism are important.
Do you practice in an ethical manner? IT Training is a career advancement
tool. You don’t train just for the sake of training. As an IT professional
you need to develop professional skills and know how training fits into
your career plan. I have looked at some issues you must consider as you
embark on IT Training. In this ever-changing world fueled by Information
and communications technologies, training is not optional. Taking informed
decisions is the key. Learning to manage these decisions is a worthwhile
and essential skill. The time and effort commitment involved with training
could be intimidating. But don’t let that prevent you from achieving
your goals. Investing in your education, investing in yourself is the
best investment you can ever make. Stay on track by making wise training
decisions. All the best in your IT Career!
Jide
Awe runs jidaw.com a site devoted to IT career and certification
content. I provide content to help IT professionals build
and sharpen their career focus. This includes career
advice, certification tips, as well as independent coverage
of trends and issues relevant to IT Careers and Certification.
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