Of Mice and Men

Training and development

IT changes very quickly, so it is important to continue developing your skills and knowledge over the course of your career. You could do this by taking further training in your job or through a college. Training courses include:

Diploma in ICT Systems Support Level 3
Certificate and Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles Level 3
Certificate and Diploma in ICT Professional Competence Level 3 and Diploma at Level 4.
Many of these qualifications include units from industry certifications but you can also take a recognised certification programme as stand-alone training for professional development. Some examples include:

CompTIA A+ Certificate
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
Certification programmes involve in-depth study, so it may help if you have some background knowledge or experience in IT before signing up. It is also recommended that you discuss your training needs with several course providers and compare what’s on offer to help you decide which is best for you.

The Chartered Institute for IT also offers a range of professional qualifications for those working in the IT sector. For more information, see the Institute’s website.

Chartered Institute for IT courses
You could check the National Skills Academy for IT, which has been created by employers to promote excellence in IT learning and development. It offers access to training and resources for IT professionals looking to develop their career. See the Academy’s website for more details.

National Skills Academy for IT
The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) has been developed by the IT industry and can help you identify your current skills and plan future career development routes. See the SFIA website for more information.