A service that many training companies provide is a programme of Job Placement assistance. It's intention is to help you get your first commercial position. But don't place too much emphasis on it - it isn't unusual for training companies to make it sound harder than it is. In reality, the still growing need for IT personnel in the UK is what will enable you to get a job.

However, what is relevant is to have help with your CV and interview techniques though; also we would encourage any student to work on polishing up their CV as soon as training commences - don't wait until you've qualified. Having the possibility of an interview is better than being rejected. Many junior positions are got by people in the early stages of their course. In many cases, a local IT focused employment agency (who will, of course, be keen to place you to receive their commission) should get better results than any recruitment division from a training organisation. They should, of course, also know local industry and the area better.

Not inconsiderable numbers of students, it would appear, are prepared to study their hearts out (sometimes for years), only to do nothing special when looking for their first job. Promote yourself... Work hard to put yourself out there. A job isn't just going to bump into you.

You'll come across courses which guarantee examination passes - they always involve paying for the exam fees up-front, at the start of your training. Before you get carried away with the chance of a guarantee, think about this:

You're paying for it somehow. One thing's for sure - it isn't free - they've just worked it into the package price. The fact is that when students fund each examination, at the time of taking them, they will be much more likely to pass every time - since they'll think of what they've paid and therefore will put more effort into their preparation.

Find the best exam deal or offer available when you're ready, and avoid college mark-up fees. In addition, it's then your choice where to sit the exam - so you can choose somewhere closer to home. Many current training colleges net huge profits through getting paid for examinations upfront then cashing in if they're not all taken. It's worth noting, with 'Exam Guarantees' from most places - you are not in control of when you can do your re-takes. Subsequent exam attempts are only authorised at the company's say so.

Paying maybe a thousand pounds extra on an 'Exam Guarantee' is short-sighted - when study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really see you through.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, using textbooks and whiteboards, is usually pretty hard going. If this describes you, dig around for more practical courses which have a majority of interactive, multimedia parts. Our ability to remember is increased when multiple senses are involved - learning experts have been saying this for as long as we can remember.

Interactive full motion video featuring instructor demo's and practice lab's will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And you'll find them fun and interesting. It's wise to view some of the typical study materials provided before you sign on the dotted line. You should expect videoed instructor demonstrations and interactive modules with audio-visual elements.

It's unwise to go for purely on-line training. Due to the variable nature of connection quality from all internet service providers, it makes sense to have CD or DVD ROM based materials.

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