Getting into IT support

pcliffe

Hi,

I'm 32 yrs old living in the UK and a want to re-train with the aim to get into the IT support industry. I consider myself computer literate with a good understanding of PCs Win Xp etc. but have no commercial experience in the IT support field. I have looked at the various MCP/COMPTIA qualifications and I am wondering what would be a good starting point. Would it be A+, Network+ or MCDST? Also is there any recommended training centers in the UK? Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Peter.

Sie

Hi Peter,

Firstly welcome!

To answer you question we really need to know where your interest lies and what path you want to follow in IT.

Are you looking for a field services role? (Traveling out to client sites fixing machines and hardware)

Are you looking for a helpdesk role? (Answering calls from users and fixing problems over the phone or using remote software)

How do you interact with people? (What i mean is do you want to work face to face with users and clients)

What is your background? This may give us an insight into where you currently stand / come from and may be able to suggest something that would interest you.

As for qualification that depends on the area you want to move into.

Network+ will teach you about setting up networks and cabling
A+ will teach you about computer hardware (Enabling you to upgrade systems and know what works with what and why in the guts of the machine)
MCP / MCSA will enable you to learn all about Windows and it capabilities and to be able to provide support and advice based on this.

I know its not all in depth and people will pull me up on a couple of things (A+ is NOT just this etc) but im just trying to give you a brief overview.

Let us know what you think and what your interests are and we will try and help!