How to gain PC skills and qualifications

The choices for training on all things technological can seem overwhelming. Plenty of courses lead to academic or vocational qualifications, while others provide nothing greater than the enjoyment of learning.

Some may cost a fortune in fees while others are offered free of charge. Of course, there are countless commercial organisations vying for your mind and money, while numerous government initiatives also compete for your attention.

Learning about learning can itself be a challenge. Worry not, though, because Computeractive is here to help.

In this article we will explore the spread of computer courses available across the UK and, while we will be focusing on the shorter, most affordable courses, we will also touch on where to go and what to do if you want to achieve a formal computing qualification.

What are you aims and ambitions?
There is a big difference between attending the occasional night class and knuckling down for a full-time degree course so, before researching available courses it is important to settle on what it is you’re hoping to achieve.

Do you want to gain a computing qualification? If so, which one? And for what reason? Will such an achievement be useful?

Put bluntly, employers are likely to place more value on an IT honours degree from a university than a Microsoft Word proficiency certificate gained by attending a couple of night classes at your local adult-learning centre.

Now, we don’t mean to diminish the value of short courses – indeed, short courses are our concentration here – but it is important to understand that, from an employment perspective at least, only recognised qualifications are likely to prove auspicious on a CV.

Also, bear in mind that while working towards a qualification might provide motivation, having to meet academic goals and deadlines in readiness for set exam dates can be a pressured situation: if you can’t commit the required study time, you might be better off with a more casual learning arrangement.

But if you are considering retraining for a new career, a formal qualification is likely to be important.
So decide what it is you want to achieve before even looking at courses.

We would also point out that from here on, our advice will focus on adult learning. If you are still at school or college, then we recommend talking to your parents and tutors about the best options for furthering your IT education.