Congratulations! Discovering this piece means you're likely to be thinking about your future, and if it's re-training you're considering then you've already got further than almost everybody else. Did you know that a small minority of us are fulfilled in our working life - yet most will take no corrective action. Why don't you break free and do something - don't you think you deserve it.

Before embarking on a course, look for some advice - find someone who knows the industry; someone who'll give you career advice based on what works best for you, and offer only the learning programs which will get you there:

* Would you like to work with others? If the answer's yes, would you enjoy being part of a team or are you more comfortable dealing with strangers? Alternatively, do you like to deal with your responsibilities alone?

* What do you need from your chosen industry? (If it's stability you're after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)

* After re-training, how long a career do you hope for, and will the industry give you the confidence that will happen?

* Would it be useful for your study to be in an area where you know you will be able to work until retirement?

We would advise that one of your key sectors is the IT industry - it's well known that it is one of the few growth sectors. IT isn't all techie people staring at computers all day - of course there are those roles, but the majority of roles are filled with ordinary men and women who get on very well.

A lot of men and women assume that the traditional school, college or university system is still the best way into IT. So why then are commercial certificates beginning to overtake it? With the costs of academic degree's spiralling out of control, together with the industry's growing opinion that vendor-based training is closer to the mark commercially, we have seen a dramatic increase in Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA accredited training routes that educate students at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. Many degrees, for example, become confusing because of a lot of background study - with a syllabus that's far too wide. Students are then held back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.

In simple terms: Recognised IT certifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - it says what you do in the title: i.e. I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003'. Consequently companies can look at their needs and what certifications are required to perform the job.

A proficient and professional consultant (in direct contrast to a salesman) will ask questions and seek to comprehend your abilities and experience. There is no other way of working out the point at which you need to start your studies. An important point to note is that, if you've got any work-experience or certification, then you may be able to begin at a different level to someone who is new to the field. If this is your initial crack at IT study then it may be wise to cut your teeth on some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.

Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something that includes 24x7 access, as not opting for this kind of support could put a damper on the speed you move through things. Never buy training courses that only support you via a message system outside of normal office hours. Training organisations will give you every excuse in the book why you don't need this. Essentially - you need support when you need support - not when it's convenient for them.

The very best programs tend to use a web-based 24x7 service pulling in several support offices from around the world. You get a single, easy-to-use environment that seamlessly selects the best facility available irrespective of the time of day: Support available as-and-when you want it. Always choose a training provider that goes the extra mile. Only proper 24x7 round-the-clock live support gives you the confidence to make it.

There is a tidal wave of change coming via technology over the next few decades - and it becomes more and more thrilling each day. Computing technology and connections via the web will radically shape the direction of our lives over future years; to a vast degree.

And don't forget that the average salary in IT across the UK is much more than in other market sectors, so you will probably receive much more with professional IT knowledge, than you would in most typical jobs. There is a great UK-wide need for professionally qualified IT workers. In addition, as growth in the industry shows little sign of contracting, it is likely this will be the case for quite some time to come.

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