Well Done! As you're looking at this you've doubtless been pondering on getting re-qualified for a new job - so already you've made a start. Only one in ten of us are satisfied with our careers, but most complain but just stay there. You could join a select group who decide to make the change.

Before embarking on a course, look for some advice - find someone who knows the industry; an advisor who can get to the bottom of what you'll like in a job, and analyse the career tracks which are appropriate for you:

* Are you hoping to be involved with others in the workplace? Would that be with a small 'tightly-knit' team or with a lot of new people? Maybe working on your own with your own methodology would be more your thing?

* Banking and building are facing difficulties right now, so which industry would suit you best?

* Having completed your retraining, would you like this skill to see you to retirement age?

* Would you like the course you're re-training in to be in a market sector where you know you'll have a job up to the time you want to stop?

A predominant industry in this country that can satisfy a trainee's demands is Information Technology. There's a need for more knowledgeable workers in IT, just check out any jobs website and you will find them yourself. However, it's not full of techie geeks sitting in front ofscreens all day long - there's a lot more to it than that. Large numbers of staff in this sector are just like you and me, but they enjoy their work and get well paid.

Commercial certification is now, undoubtedly, beginning to replace the traditional academic paths into the industry - but why has this come about? The IT sector now recognises that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, certified accreditation from such organisations as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA is closer to the mark commercially - for much less time and money. Typically, only required knowledge is taught. Actually, it's not quite as pared down as that, but principally the objective has to be to concentrate on the fundamentally important skill-sets (along with a certain amount of crucial background) - without overdoing the detail in every other area (as academia often does).

It's a bit like the TV advert: 'It does what it says on the label'. Employers simply need to know what they're looking for, and then match up the appropriate exam numbers as a requirement. They'll know then that all applicants can do what they need.

Looking around, we find a myriad of job availability in the IT industry. Deciding which one could be right for you can be very difficult. Scanning long lists of different and confusing job titles is just a waste of time. Most of us have no concept what the neighbours do for a living - so we have no hope of understanding the complexities of any specific IT role. Arriving at the right conclusion will only come through a methodical examination covering many changing areas:

* The kind of person you think yourself to be - the tasks that you enjoy doing, plus of course - what you hate to do.

* For what reasons you're getting involved with the IT industry - it could be you're looking to overcome a long-held goal like firing your boss and working for yourself for instance.

* The income needs that are important to you?

* Some students don't fully understand the level of commitment expected to gain all the necessary accreditation.

* It makes sense to appreciate the differences between each individual training area.

The best way to avoid the barrage of jargon, and find the best path to success, have an informal meeting with an advisor with years of experience; a person that will cover the commercial realities and truth while explaining all the qualifications.

The best type of package of training will undoubtedly incorporate Microsoft (or key company) exam simulation and preparation packages. Ensure that the mock exams aren't just asking you the right questions on the right subjects, but ask them in the exact format that the real exams will phrase them. It really messes up trainees if they're faced with unrecognisable phrases and formats. Clearly, it is really important to know that you're completely ready for the real exam prior to going for it. Going over 'mock' exams adds to your knowledge bank and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams.

Get rid of any salesman that pushes one particular program without a thorough investigation to better understand your current abilities and also your experience level. They should be able to select from a large stable of training programs from which they could provide you with what's right for you. If you've got any work-based experience or base qualifications, it may be that your starting point of study is now at a different level to a new student. Consider starting with user-skills and software training first. This can help whip your basic knowledge into shape and make the learning curve a less steep.

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