IT Training Methods

Across the globe we’re witnessing an ever increasing dependency on IT systems and the services we expect from them. Society is becoming more and more familiar with IT functions and terminology, but are we really becoming more proficient with the systems? We need to ask the question “Is my knowledge increasing at the same rate as the developments within the industry?” for if not, then surely I’m falling behind.

Obviously, no one person can know everything about everything. The above question needs to be placed into context, such as Networking or Dreamweaver if that’s my chosen industry or specialist subject. The critical factors surely must be the pertinence of the knowledge as the driving force, not necessarily the breadth of knowledge.

I’m reminded of the story where the owner of a large tanker had consistent issues with the engines of his ship, and often had to bring in ’specialist’ engineers to fix the problems every time they berthed at ports around the world. Whilst trying different methods to resolve the challenge, the owner of the tanker was becoming more and more frustrated.

Finally he remembered an old friend of his when they berthed at a port in South America. The friend was a fully qualified engineer, and had an exceptional talent for fixing and maintaining marine engines, so he asked if he could help. His friend agreed, and proceeded straight to the engine bays. First he listened to the engines, then he walked around and tapped a few pipes with his spanner. Finally he moved to a valve and adjusted it 25 degrees clockwise. Immediately the problem was resolved and the engines settled down.

The next day the owner’s friend returned with a bill for $10,000. The owner was dismayed by the size of the bill, especially as all he had to do was to turn a valve and so he asked his friend for a breakdown, hoping for a reduction. The following day the engineer returned with the breakdown – For time spent onboard to fix the problem – special rate to a friend, $1. For the knowledge of where to tap and which valve to turn, $9,999.

This surely reminds us that all knowledge has to be fit for purpose and as such the techniques and methodology of training must fit the same criteria. Within a fast-paced industry like IT, dependence upon traditional training techniques such as classroom environments and staid teaching skills surely conflicts with the vitality of the industry itself.

Whilst I’m not disparaging IT teachers, there remains a concern where it’s left to the individual to keep their knowledge as pertinent and cutting-edge as possible. I have considerable sympathy for the difficulties in maintaining this when a person isn’t exposed to the latest industrial developments, such as those who are working within Microsoft directly as an example.

Students are the reverse and are voracious in seeking access to the latest terms, thoughts and techniques wherever possible, and any system that can provide 24×7 direct or indirect access to the knowledge and thoughts of the leaders in the industry would be pertinent to both teacher and student alike.

Moving on to the working environment, owners of IT systems often expect their IT support teams to do more than maintain and manage the integrity of the systems to protect the business interests. They also expect them to give strategic support and advice to make sure that decisions regarding IT procedures, hardware and operating system procurement provide a business edge and keep the company ahead of its competitors within their particular field.

When mulling over the options for development within IT, either for a career start, as a career change, or to further ones future within the industry – one of the key factors has been the growing attraction of the professional qualifications. It benefits from the same factors overall as the Aviation industry in that a common language and format is reasonably dominant throughout.

Students looking for long-term employability would do well to adopt the approaches and methods of the industry heavyweights. This makes them attractive (both in the short term and the long term) to a wider range of employers. Industry leaders recognise qualifications such as the MCSE or MCSA that have legitimacy across geographical boundaries and industry sectors. They remain a prudent choice in today’s economic climate.

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