CultusIf you require IT training, there are a few things you have to figure out first. Since it is likely that you will be spending money on this training, you need to know how to find the best of the best and understand which options are most suitable to you and your specific needs. Let’s take a look.
First things first
Think about what you mean by “IT training”. Do you want to learn coding language? Do you want to know the ins and outs of Microsoft Excel? Do you want to be able to write a letter in Word? Do you have a bespoke database at work that all employees have to be able to understand? Do you simply want to learn how to download and install Skype on your personal computer?
These questions are important, because the term “IT training” is actually very vague. There are so many variations in it, from building your own network server to being able to change your desktop background, that you have to narrow down your options at least a little bit.
Finding a training provider
Once you know what you want to achieve, it is time to find a training provider. Generally speaking, good training is not going to be free. However, if you want to learn something incredibly simplistic, you could choose to simply Google it or even take a look at an instructional video on YouTube. However, as soon as the skills become a bit more in-depth, free training is generally not sufficient.
A good training provider will, first and foremost, be certified to deliver training. This means that they will offer accredited training, which in turn means you earn educational points that can go towards a degree or your continuous professional education. It is very rare for a provider to say they are accredited when they actually aren’t, but your local education board should be able to double check these things for you.
Next, good training providers offer bespoke training, rather than one size fits all packages. Hence, they should be approachable and professional and should demonstrate a real understanding of what your needs are. They should also be able to explain in great detail how they intend to fulfil those needs.
Make sure you request a quotation, particularly if you try to organise training for a larger group of people. You should generally receive some form of discount if you have more people included in your training. However, there are also providers who offer a flat rate regardless of how many people come to the training itself, which means you have an opportunity to keep your cost down by attracting more people to the training itself. It is not unheard of, for instance, for two or more organisations to work together in using a training provider, thereby effectively halving the cost.
Try to get quotations from various different providers, so you can accurately compare which one is best and offers the best value for money. Always remember that the best value for money is not necessarily the cheapest price. It is about quality as much as anything else.
About the Author:
Will Howell is a renowned author of all things training related. When getting the latest tips and information on IT related training, Will visits theitservice.co.uk.