Full Careers

What are The Benefits of Studying With ICS Distance Learning?

I wanted to find this question out because I am interested in getting into I.T but I have heard so many bad things about I.T training companies like Computeach. The problem is I have borrowed a career development loan 18 months ago. I have been told by a Computeach course advisor it takes 3 years from the original application to borrow another career development loan. I was recommended ICS but they don't offer job assistance or work placement with the training. What is the benefit of ICS, if they can't get you to break through the industry? I have a secretarial background (MS Office), but I am interested in networking. I would appreciate answers from anyone who studies with ICS, how did you get you first job in a new industry? I would also like to hear from I.T professional that recommended good training organizations geared towards gaining an I.T career. T

Public Comments

1. I am studying for a diploma with ICS and the only advantage i can tell you is the fact that you can study at your own pace and at your convenience since you plan your lessons and tests ourself.It`s good for mature students with jobs or families.however, `support` is nonexistent.Forget all the hype in their ads.I started my course in 2005 and had only a few more modules to go when i went through the roughest patch of my life and stopped for almost a year.I never heard from ICS.Nobody called or wrote to find out why a student who had been so keen and was sending in up to 2 tests a week suddenly stopped the course.Since i had fully paid up my course fee i never heard from them.Even when i called to change my address, my next two results still went to the old address until i called in to complain.I`ve had two outstanding tests since last March and there`s been no reminder as to the duration of my course or any related info.For an IT course, you need more hands on support than you`ll ever get from ICS.I have no plans to ever study with them again.
2. I have heard of ICS but have been told that it is good for flexibility and for something to help you break into the industry only (and to put on your CV), as per the other post I have heard there is limited support and you may be better off just doing a course at your local college (i.e. nights etc). Personally, it sounds like you need some advice. I would call Learn Direct http://www.learndirect.co.uk/ they are very helpful and really can help you see what your options are as they have a database of the different providers and courses, although you will need to be quite specific in what you want to do (and be sure that this will help you get that job you want!) Also, you say you want to get into IT but do you know what kind of role you want to do? I.e. do you want to be a developer, a helpdesk advisor, IT administrator or go towards IT project managament? I would try and establish the kind of role you want first (and the skills you need to gain, i.e. from the course such as programming language etc) that you want and set you sights on it before you call to find the course you want to do. Try searching on www.reed.co.uk in the IT part for jobs in your area within IT and work out which job you think sounds interesting and that you are aiming for say in 2 or 3 years, and then work backwards, working out roles you can do to gain experience to get there (and have a plan whether it be written or in your head!). Usually in a job advert it will state what you need to have in terms of experience and/or qualifications to do the job (sometimes mentioning exactly what, specifically more in public sector roles like the NHS or local council as they tend to be more specific) and that will help you establish what you need to do to get that job at the junior level and the role for 2-3 years time. You will probably need to start in a more junior role to the initial role you have seen advertised (a course can only help get you that first step on the ladder) but it really really helps if you know where you want to head. You could perhaps try calling your local IT focused Reed office and try and speak to a recruitment consultant to ask advice (some of them may be helpful). Ask them pointed questions about a specific role you can do to start in this career and ask them what kind of qualifications may help you to do this role (remember they see thousands of CV's and know what people do and what prospective employers want!). They'll also be able to advise what roles you can do to break into the industry whilst studying and advise what courses are high regarded (remember they will want you to have a winning CV and skills so they can market you!). Some agencies also offer training for free and partner with some training firms so do ask them if there is anything they can give you. You also say that you have a secretarial background so I am presuming you are currently working in this role....try looking at IT Administrator or IT PA roles first (you may have to take a slight dip in salary however there are plenty of salary surveys online at Hays or Reed to help or you can ask a consultant of a realistic salary guide). Once you are working within an IT department in a role like this (personally I think you would have all the skills to do this type of role if you have a secretarial background) you can ask your manager for advice and your colleagues and they will be able to recommend courses for you that are focused on what you want to do that you could do in your spare time which will help you get that next role that is more focused in the area you want to do (maybe even internally and they may fund your training!!) If you dont want to go down this route try networking with the IT people in your company (they are generally nice people!). Ask them for their advice (to be honest they will be probably be more flattered than anything else and remember they have been there also!). I would personally try and do everything and anything to get advice but also remember that you may have to start one or two rungs down the ladder from that dream job as you are changing careers. There are so many courses out there to help you improve yourself but only companies, recruitment consultants and the managers and employees will know what they are looking for (and ultimately you will only want to do a course which will get you a job!). Definately ask these people and I wish you the very best of luck! It's great to see someone being brave and changing career and I am sure you will do great, just believe in yourself!