The Cisco training is intended for individuals who wish to work with routers and network switches. Routers hook up networks of computers over the internet or dedicated lines. It's advisable that you should start with CCNA. Steer clear of going immediately onto a CCNP as it is very advanced - and you really need experience to take on this level.

Routers are linked to networks, so look for a program which teaches the basics - perhaps Network+ and A+, prior to starting your CCNA course. You must have some knowledge of how networks operate before you commence any Cisco training or you'll probably struggle. Once qualified and looking for work, networking skills will be valuable alongside your CCNA.

We'd recommend a tailored course that will take you through a specific training path in advance of starting your Cisco CCNA course skills.

An effective training course package will also include accredited exam preparation packages. Be sure that the simulated exams aren't just asking you the right questions from the right areas, but are also posing them in the way the real exams will pose them. It can really throw some students if they're met with completely different formats and phraseologies. For many reasons, it is really important to be confident that you are completely prepared for the real exam before embarking on it. Practicing mock-up exams logs the information in your brain and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams.

It's important to understand: a course itself or a certification isn't what this is about; the job or career you're training for is. Too many training companies put too much weight in the certificate itself. It's quite usual, in some situations, to thoroughly enjoy one year of training only to end up putting 20 long years into something completely unrewarding, entirely because you stumbled into it without some quality research at the outset.

Be honest with yourself about earning potential and whether you're an ambitious person or not. Sometimes, this affects which precise qualifications you will need and what'll be expected of you in your new role. Sense dictates that you always seek guidance and advice from an industry professional before you begin a particular learning course, so there's little doubt that the specific package will give the appropriate skill-set.

Be careful that the exams you're studying for will be recognised by employers and are current. 'In-house' certificates are generally useless. All the major IT organisations like Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA all have widely acknowledged skills programmes. These big-hitters will make sure you're employable.

Many trainers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to assist your search for your first position. With the massive demand for appropriately skilled people in the UK today, there isn't a great need to place too much emphasis on this feature however. It's not as difficult as you may be led to believe to find the right work as long as you're correctly trained and certified.

Ideally you should have CV and Interview advice and support though; and we'd recommend everyone to get their CV updated right at the beginning of their training - don't procrastinate and leave it until you've qualified. Getting onto the 'maybe' pile of CV's is far better than not even being known about. A surprising amount of junior support roles are offered to students who are still at an early stage in their studies. Normally you'll get better results from a specialist independent regional employment service than any training provider's centralised service, as they'll know local industry and the area better.

Certainly ensure you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, then call a halt and expect somebody else to land you a job. Get off your backside and get on with the job. Channel as much energy and enthusiasm into getting your first job as you did to gain the skills.