PC and network support technicians are increasingly sought after in Great Britain, as organisations become progressively more dependent upon their knowledge and skills. Whilst we're all becoming more and more beholden to technology, we also become more reliant on the well trained IT professionals, who keep the systems going.

One interesting way that training companies make a big mark-up is by adding exam fees upfront to the cost of a course and then including an 'Exam Guarantee'. It looks impressive, until you think it through:

Obviously it isn't free - you are paying for it - it's just been included in your package price. If you want to get a first time pass, evidence suggests you must pay for each exam as you go, give it the necessary attention and give the task sufficient application.

Don't pay up-front, but seek out the best deal for you at the appropriate time, and save having to find the money early. You also get more choice of where you do your exams - meaning you can choose a local testing centre. A surprising number of so-called credible training colleges secure big margins by getting in the money for examinations upfront then hoping that you won't take them all. Re-takes of any failed exams via training companies with an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. They'll insist that you take mock exams first so you can prove to them you have a good chance of passing.

Exams taken at local centres are around 112 pounds in this country. What's the point of paying huge charges for 'Exam Guarantees' (often covertly rolled into the cost of the course) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

Any program that you're going to undertake should always lead to a properly recognised certification at the finale - definitely not some 'in-house' printed certificate to hang in your hallway. From the perspective of an employer, only the big-boys such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA (as an example) give enough bang for your buck. Anything less just won't hit the right spot.

Some training providers offer a Job Placement Assistance facility, to help you into your first commercial role. With the growing skills shortage in Britain right now, it's not too important to become overly impressed with this service however. It's actually not as hard as some people make out to land your first job once you're properly qualified.

Advice and support about getting interviews and your CV might be provided (if not, see one of our sites for help). It's essential that you bring your CV right up to date right away - don't leave it till you pass the exams! Getting your CV considered is more than not being regarded at all. A decent number of junior positions are bagged by people who are still at an early stage in their studies. The most reliable organisations to help get you placed are most often specialist independent regional recruitment consultancies. As they will get paid by the employer when they've placed you, they have the necessary incentive to try that bit harder.

Many trainees, it seems, are prepared to study their hearts out (sometimes for years), only to do nothing special when looking for a good job. Introduce yourself... Work hard to get yourself known. Don't think a job's just going to jump out in front of you.

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